Modeling quasi-3D needle-punched C/C composites using a linear simplification representative volume element model

In this paper, a linear simplification model is proposed for predicting the flexibility of quasi-3D needle-punched C/C composites. The proposed model is based on the representative volume element, which we determined via three steps consisting of two modules: (1) a unidirectional fiber composite layer, which was composed of a homogenous matrix with random porosity throughout the material and randomly distributed short-cut fiber felt; (2) a needle-punched fiber composite layer, which possessed a random porous nature and a uniform distribution of needle-punched fibers in the matrix. We then utilized the analytical homogenization model, the Halpin–Tsai formula, and the Gox formula to predict the elasticity of the composites. The predicted elasticity properties were compared to experimental data reported in the literature to evaluate the reliability and precision of the proposed linear simplification model. The predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data. Furthermore, a series of parametric numerical calculations were performed to examine the effects of the micro-factor and integral thickness factors on the elastic properties of the composites.