3D Braided Composite Structures ‐ Experimental Characterization and Modeling of Fracturing Behavior

the specific research objectives are (1) to propose an innovative experimental protocol to characterize 3D braided composite fracture; (2) to develop, calibrate and validate a multiscale numerical framework capable of describing the failure behavior as a function of the braid architecture and the structure size and geometry; (3) to numerically investigate the effects of different braiding parameters on the overall structural performance; and (4) to introduce an accessible, computationally efficient structural analysis tool for 3D braided composites to researchers and industry. These research objectives will be tightly integrated with educational and outreach initiatives that introduce 3D braided composites to high school and undergraduate students.