Techniques were developed for analyzing plain-weave composites subject
ed to flexure. These techniques were based on the solutions for an inf
inite array of unit cells subjected to extension and flexure. Periodic
boundary conditions were derived for flexure of the configuration. (P
eriodic boundary conditions for extension already have been documented
in the literature.) The stress distributions and homogenized moduli f
rom the infinite array can be used with simple formulas to predict the
variation of flexural stiffness with thickness and the distribution o
f stresses in thick but finite specimens. For exterior mats, where the
accuracy of the predictions was poor, an alternative procedure was de
veloped that gives quite accurate predictions.