Finite element modeling and experimental validation of 2D reinforcement braided thin wall structures under internal pressure at various braid angles

Reinforcement of the thin-wall structures under internal pressure by braiding method has many applications in different industries. In this way, the effective braid angle determination will be important in achieving a stable and resistant structure. The main aim of this work was finite element modeling and experimental validation of these structures under internal pressure. Therefore, a thin silicon pipe as the core was covered with different braid angles in braiding machine and then was subjected to internal pressure. After that, a finite element model was implemented for a repeatable part of the samples as a unit cell using ANSYS software to calculate the pressure–diameter diagram of the samples. Finally, in order to verify the accuracy of the finite element models was recorded the increase in braided pipes diameter up to rupture by camera and prepared pressure–diameter diagram for all samples by image processing method. The comparison of the finite element method results and image processing showed a good agreement with high accuracy. Also was observed in finite element modeling that the relationship between diameter-pressure in 55 degrees was rather linear, generating forces in the pipe surface of thin silicon due to internal pressure along braid strands direction as confirmed by image analysis.