Predicting the Elastic Properties of 3D N-Directional Braided Composites Via a Theoretical Method

The microstructure of 3D n-directional braided composites is established in this study. A theoretical method that considers 3D braided composites as assemblages of unidirectional composites is proposed to predict their elastic properties. A comparison of the predicted stiffness with experimental results showed their good agreement. The relationship between braiding parameters, including the braiding angle and fiber volume fraction, and the elastic constants is analyzed.