Establishing RVE model composed of dry fibers and matrix for 3D four-directional braided composites

Traditional representative volume element (RVE) model composed of impregnated yarns and surrounding matrix for the 3D four-directional braided composites, requires periodic mesh in order to impose periodic boundary condition, which is quite challenging and time-consuming due to complex internal mesoscopic architecture. In this regard, this study presents a novel approach to establish a parametric RVE model comprised of dry fibers and matrix through integrating Matlab with Abaqus. The technique is able to produce RVE models of arbitrary braiding angle, fiber volume fraction, etc. by simply changing the input values for the Matlab procedure. Based on this, finite element analysis is performed on the proposed model to predict tensile modulus of the 3D four-directional braided composites and examine the influence of mesoscopic geometry and material parameters. Numerical application demonstrates that this technique has good prediction accuracy for the small braiding angle case while great deviation for the big braiding angle case. In the end, the technique’s advantages and disadvantages over the traditional RVE model, and its potential applications are discussed.