This paper presents finite element modeling effort to predict possible microcracking of the matrix in 3D woven composites during curing. Three different reinforcement architectures are considered: a ply-to-ply weave, a one-by-one and a two-by-two orthogonal through-thickness reinforcement. To realistically reproduce the as-woven geometry of the fabric, the data from the Digital Fabric Mechanics Analyzer software is used as input for finite element modeling. The curing processed is modeled in a simplified way as a uniform drop in temperature from the resin curing to room temperature. The simulations show that the amount of residual stress is strongly influenced by the presence of through-thickness reinforcement.
