Homogenized tensile and bending properties of plain weave single‐Ply E‐glass/epoxy

Abstract This study empirically, numerically, and analytically analyzes the tensile and bending behavior of a plain weave single‐ply E‐glass/epoxy composite. In the empirical part of the study, tensile and simple bending experiments are conducted. Finite element method is used in the modeling part of the numerical study. Transverse and longitudinal fibers of the plain woven composite are modeled in one and three dimensions by using the ABAQUS software. Finally, mixture ratio approach and composite beam approach are considered in the analytical part of the study. Elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, bending stiffness, and critical bending radius are obtained experimentally and are compared with the results of the finite element analyses and the results of the analytical study where applicable. The results closest to the empirically obtained ones are obtained by three‐dimensional (3D) finite elements analysis. Moreover, the mechanical characteristics obtained by the composite beam approach used in the analytical study are also very close to the values obtained by 3D finite elements analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers