Abstract
Simulation of the forming processes of thin composite structures is necessary at the design level in order to check the feasibility of the shape and to know the position of the reinforcements. A finite element analysis of fabric shaping process needs the knowledge of the mechanical behavior of the woven reinforcement. This behavior is non linear because of the shape variation of the weaving pattern when it is loaded. Experimental results are obtained from biaxial tests in the case of balanced and unbalanced fabric. A constitutive model consistent with the geometry of the woven pattern is proposed. It is based on experimental results achieved by biaxial tensile tests. 3D simulations of the unit woven cell submitted to biaxial tensions are also performed and compared to experiments.