Hyperelastic modelling and simulation for forming process of the braided fabrics

Abstract

The composite reinforcements preforming including complex deformability behaviours. Numerical simulation analysis can effectively predict these behaviours and improve the preforming quality. Based on the related theory of continuum mechanics, this paper proposes a hyperelastic constitutive model to describe the nonlinear anisotropic mechanical behaviour of braided fabrics due to large deformation during the forming process. The tensile strain energy generated by the warp and weft stretching and the shear strain energy caused by the angle change between the warp and weft is considered in this model. The parameters of the hyperelastic constitutive law are identified by the bias-extension test. And it’s also used to simulate the forming process of the braided fabrics.