TY  - EJOU
AU  - Zhang, Xiyue 
AU  - Li, Feizhou 
AU  - Hu, Zhihai 
AU  - Zhang, Weiliang 
AU  - He, Xindang 
AU  - Yuan, Gexia 
AU  - Feng, Yanwei 
AU  - Qi, Yafeng 

TI  - Parametric Characteristics Analysis of Three-Unit-Cell Model in 3D Seven-Directional Braided Composites
T2  - Computers, Materials \& Continua

PY  - 
VL  - 
IS  - 
SN  - 1546-2226

AB  - Three-dimensional (3D) braided composites are widely used in aerospace and automotive industries due to their superior mechanical properties. However, traditional 3D four-directional or five-directional braided composites exhibit limitations in multi-axial load-bearing capacity and structural stability under complex stress conditions. To address these challenges, we propose a novel 3D seven-directional braided composite structure, which enhances mechanical performance in both axial and transverse directions by incorporating additional reinforcement yarns. This structure consists of braiding yarns, axial yarns, six-directional yarns and seven-directional yarns, forming a more uniform and stable interlacing network. Based on the positional relationships between yarns, a parametric three-unit-cell model (incorporating interior, surface, and corner unit-cells) was developed to analyze the effects of braiding parameters and angles on fiber volume fraction and unit-cell geometry. Especially, an automated modeling plugin was created to efficiently generate unit-cell models for further mechanical analysis. The proposed 3D seven-directional braided composite provides a new theoretical framework for designing advanced textile composites, expanding their potential for diverse engineering applications.
KW  - 3D seven-directional braided composites; braiding parameters; fiber volume fraction; three-unit-cell model

DO  - 10.32604/cmc.2026.084077