Experimental and numerical analyses of the mechanical behaviors of three-dimensional orthogonal woven composites under compressive loadings with different strain rates

Quasi-static and high strain rate compressive behaviors of basalt/vinyl ester 3D orthogonal woven composites along three perpendicular yarn directions were investigated experimentally and numerically. An elastic–plastic numerical model based on the 3D fabric architecture of the 3D orthogonal woven composites was developed to analyze the compressive deformation and failure mode under different strain rate loading conditions. The stress–strain curves obtained from experimental along three directions were used to validate the finite element model. The agreement between the experimental and finite element model results proves the validity of the finite element model. From the experimental results, the strain rate sensitive and anisotropy of the compressive behaviors was found. The finite element results were employed to analyze the locations of stress propagation, the 3D stress state, and the progressive failure behavior. It was also found that this model has a similar failure shape of “broom” at one end of the composite along both of weft and warp compressive directions, while an inclined shear band was formed in through-thickness compression. This result indicates that Z-yarn contributed significantly to the in-plane responses. Additionally, the absorbed energies that induce the complete damage of the composite coupons at various strain rates were also calculated and discussed.