A Micromechanics Model for Thermoelastic Properties of Plain Weave Fabric Composites

A micromechanics model is presented to predict thermoelastic properties of composites reinforced with plain weave fabrics. A representative volume element is chosen for analysis and the fiber architecture is described by a few simple functions. Equations are developed to calculate various phase fractions from geometric parameters that can be measured on a cross section. Effective elastic moduli and effective thermal expansion coefficients are determined under the assumption of uniform strain inside the representative volume element. The resulting model is similar to the classical laminated theory, and hence is easier to use than other models available in the literature. An experimental correlation is provided for a number of Nicalon SiC/CVI SiC and Graphite/CVI SiC composite laminates.