Abstract
In 3D braided composites, some fibers are oriented in thickness directions, increasing strength and reducing de-lamination ability. The equivalent elastic properties of the 3D braided plate are computed using a volume averaging approach. Here, the low-velocity impact of the 3D braided plate is investigated at various locations based on the 3D shear deformations theory incorporated with twelve-degree freedom per node using an eight nodded isoparametric finite element method. In this theory, transverse displacement is the function of the thickness coordinates, which is the unique advantage of this theory. The various parametric studies are performed by varying geometrical and material parameters.