Modeling three-dimensional fabrics and three-dimensional reinforced composites: challenges and solutions

The vast research area of modeling of three-dimensional (3D) woven fabrics can be subdivided into several domains, each of them having its own challenges and difficulties — some are already solved and implemented in software, while some still wait for their solution. This paper discusses the following problems and reviews the available solutions: coding of the structure of 3D weaves; building a geometrical model of 3D fabric; calculation of deformation resistance of a 3D fabric; transformation of the geometrical model into finite element mesh; prediction of elastic mechanical properties of 3D reinforced composites. A case study for warp interlock 3D fabrics concludes the paper.