| A finite element model has been developed for the stamping analysis of plain weave textile composite preforms. This model is simple, efficient and can be used with existing finite element codes. The model represents the preform as a mesh of 3-D truss elements and 3-D shell elements. The tows are modeled explicitly through the truss elements. Inter tow sliding has been taken into account in the model. The shell elements represent a fictitious material, which we called the transforming medium that models the effects of inter tow friction and fiber angle jamming. The model takes into account large strains and large deformations. In-plane uni-axial tension tests were performed on plain weave specimens for determining the constitutive law of the transforming medium. Use of the model is demonstrated by simulating the stamping of a preform over a sphere. The results from the simulation show good correlation with the results from the experiments. |
