Failure modelling of braided frames under bending loads

Kurzfassung

Braided structures consisting of carbon/epoxy composite are regarded as one promising concept for producing low cost, high quality components with improved damage resistance. Whilst composite structures can exhibit excellent energy absorption capability under compression, brittle fracture modes limit their energy absorption capacity during bending failure. Therefore, a virtual approach is beneficial to support the design process of large braided structural components securing sufficient safety standards for crash and impact events. In this scope an explicit simulation approach was developed by applying a macroscopic description for the braided material. The simulation was validated using the building block approach, investigating the numerical prediction capability of bending failure of braided frames. Presented results show potentials and limitations of a macroscopic explicit description for failure modelling of braided structures.