Experimental validation of a regression‐based predictive model for elastic constants of open mesh tubular diamond‐braid composites

Abstract The prediction of elastic constants of open‐mesh diamond braids has not been adequately studied. The objective of this work is to provide a further comparison of longitudinal elastic and shear moduli regression equations previously developed with experimental data from in‐house experiments; to determine the regression equations linearity limits; and to provide a validated predictive model for E _x, E _y and G _xy for large open mesh composites. The results of the model match well with experimental findings for close‐mesh braided composites; however, for open‐mesh braided composites the results show differences. Also, the lower linearity limit (LLL) of the model for different fiber‐matrix systems were calculated and discussed. The comparison of initial experimental findings of the open‐mesh structures and the model suggests a full characterization of the model can be possible by increasing the experimental data pool in the literature which is currently very limited. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers