Computer-aided design and modeling of composite unit cells

A novel modeling approach for designing and constructing CAD-based composit e unit cells is presented. The modeling technique is developed based on a r easoning Boolean operation algorithm which consists of merging and extracti ng operation to construct composite unit cells at the heterogeneous materia l level. Owing to its CAD-based nature, the unit cell models can be readily implemented with advanced CAD/CAE/CAM systems for integrated design, simul ation, and manufacturing of advanced composites. A seamless integration bet ween the CAD model and finite element analysis, and results of stress and d eformation in composite unit cells and in the fiber and matrix is demonstra ted. The proposed modeling technique is able to capture the designed compos ite geometry, reinforced fiber architecture, and constituent material heter ogeneity. Sample unit cells representing 2D woven fabric, 2D basket weave, 3D tri-axial braided, and 3D uni-directional composite are also presented. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.