THERMAL EXPANSION COEFFICIENTS OF THREEDIMENSIONALBRAIDED COMPOSITES WITH PENNYSHAPED MICROCRACKS

The Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka theory combined with modified Stiffness Averaging Method is used for considering the interaction of fibers and microcracks and predicting the effective thermal expansion coefficients of three dimensional braided composite with penny shaped cracks. The effects of microcrack density on the thermal mechanical behavior of the material are also studied. The developed method provides theoretical basis for material designers and manufacturers to improve the material behavior.