An efficient multi-scale computation of the macroscopic coefficient of thermal expansion: Application to the Resin Transfer Molding manufactured 3D woven composites

This paper presents a simple and computationally efficient multi-scale procedure to predict the macroscopic temperature dependent coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) any linearly thermoelastic material from isothermal mechanical simulations only. The approach relies on Levin’s demonstration that, in analytical homogenization, effective is related local stress concentration tensor. For purposes, this was applied 3D woven composite material. proposed successfully validated with full simulations.