Finite Element Modeling of 3D Orthogonal Woven C/C Composite Based on Micro-Computed Tomography Experiment

Two-dimensional images of C/C 3D orthogonal woven composite were captured by X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT). The μCT data reveal comprehensive meso-geometrical information about the carbon fiber tows, carbon matrix, and void defects etc. The fibers tows are characterized consisting of the cancroids of a tow, the area and aspect ratio of its cross-section. A statistical analysis of the volume fraction and positioning of the void defects in the 3D orthogonal woven architecture is performed based on 2-D micro tomography images. The tabulated statistics are sufficient to generate the virtual specimen, which shares the same statistical characteristics of the C/C composite and the void defects are included. Three-point bending experiment and simulation are carried out and the results show that the finite element model including the void defects gives more accurate results. The finite element model will give some highlights to the numerical simulation approach of the C/C textile composite under thermal, mechanical and oxygen coupled service environment. And the numerical techniques for modelling such kind materials with woven architecture and void defects are recommended.