Abstract
In this paper, a comparative analysis of microscopic stress distribution in braided composites under different load conditions has been performed using a numerical method. The complexity of the architecture in non-orthogonally braided composites leads to the difficulty in the study of microscopic stress field. A geometric model which is suitable for the description of the stress distribution has been established. The location and magnitude of stress peak under different loads were investigated and the stress concentrations were subsequently discussed. For in-plane load, the maximum stress appears at ‘joint part’ of main bearing tow; for out-plane load, at ‘overlapped part’. These results are beneficial to detecting the damage initiation regions. The effect of braid angle on in-plane shear deformation is more intensive relative to the in-plane tension, whereas the influence is inconspicuous for the out-plane load. The comparative analysis is help for a thorough understanding of the mechanical properties of braided composites.