One-dimensional micromechanical analysis of woven fabric composites

The upper and lower bounds of elastic stiffness and compliance constants of woven fabric composites are derived, based upon a mosaic-like model as well as the assumptions of constant stress and constant strain. An approximate analysis taking into account fiber undulation and continuity also is conducted. Fiber undulation leads to a slight softening of the in-plane stiffness and does not affect the stretching/bending coupling constants. A transverse shear deformation is adopted and modified to examine the one-dimensional bending response of fabric composites. The results of a two-dimensional finite element analysis are in good agreement with the predictions of the in-plane, coupling, and bending constants based upon the fiber undulation, mosaic, and transverse shear deformation theory, respectively. The effect of fiber undulation shape on the in-plane compliance also is investigated.