Unit cell modeling on torsion damage behavior of a novel three-dimensional integrated multilayer fabric-reinforced composite tubular structure

Torsion damage behaviors of composite tubes are key factors in the design of tube structures, such as transmission shafts. During service, torsion in the transmission shaft induces delamination damage. A novel three-dimensional fully integrated multilayer tubular fabric aimed to eliminate delamination was invented by authors. This fabric is in tubular form with several layers of crimp-free in-layer yarns oriented at prescribed orientations and fully interlocked by a set of through-layer yarns, which are often made of the same type of fibers as the in-layer yarns. We investigated torsion damage behaviors of the integrated fabric-reinforced composite tubes. The torque–torsion angle curves were obtained and the torsion damages were phenomenologically analyzed. A unit cell model of the integrated fabric composite circular tube was established to numerically reveal the torsion damage mechanisms. For optimizing the torsion behaviors, the axial yarns should have high stiffness and the binder yarn should have high strength. More specifically, the axial yarn should use carbon fiber tows, and high-strength polymer fiber tows could be used for the binder yarns.