MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF HYBRIDIZED BRAIDED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

An analytic model has been created which combines strength of Material s Micromechanic Theory and Laminate Plate Theory to estimate the mecha nical properties of two hybrid braided architectures. These results ar e compared with test data to derive empirical ''knockdown'' factors wh ich result from fiber crimping and jamming during the braiding process . Knockdown Factors are derived from E(x), E(y), and G(xy). In additio n, the estimated coefficients of thermal expansion and Poisson's Ratio are compared with test data. By quantifying the empirical Knockdown F actors, more representative material properties can be utilized in eng ineering analysis for hybrid braided materials.