Mechanical behavior of a triaxial woven fabric composite

The results of an experimental and finite-element investigation on a single -ply triaxial woven fabric composite loaded in tension are presented. The f abric is made of graphite yarns oriented in the 0 degrees and +/-60 degrees directions and a thermoset resin. It is used by EMS Technologies Canada Lt d. for the manufacturing of super-lightweight spaceborne antenna reflectors . Two types of tensile test specimens were evaluated, straight and dog-bone , as well as three methods for bonding the strain gauges to the specimen. T he effects of the specimen shape and bonding methods were evaluated. A fini te-element model was developed to predict the behavior of the specimen unde r tensile conditions. The measured data provide information on the elastic properties and ultimate strength of the composite when subjected to loads a cting either along the axial yams or perpendicular to them.