Benefiting from the multi-directional load-bearing capability, the three-dimensional braided composites (3DBC) have found a wide application in primary structures. It is therefore of great importance to fully understand their mechanical behavior and failure modes. In the present paper, the tensile and compressive tests were carried out, according to standardized testing methods, for eight types of 3DBC, which were manufactured by resin transfer molding (RTM). It was found that the mechanical properties of the 3DBCs decreased with an increasing braiding angle. When the braiding angle was 20°, 3D 5-directional braided composite (3D5dBC) exhibited the best mechanical properties, while for the braiding angle of 40°, the mechanical properties of 3D6dBC were the most prominent. Moreover, the tensile strength of the 3DBCs is approximately two times as much as the compressive strength; however, the compressive modulus is always 10% higher than the tensile modulus. The failure modes of the 3DBCs with a braiding angle of 20°greatly depended on the braiding structures. However, they tend to be consistent when the braiding angle increases to 40°.

A finite element (FE) model based on fiber kinking and a transversal fracture angle damage model with cohesive elements are proposed to simulate the low-velocity impact (LVI) and compression after impact (CAI), and build a relationship between LVI energy and CAI strength of composites. The proposed FE model is validated by a comprehensive experimental work conducted using a high strength carbon fiber/epoxy material system i.e. CCF300/BA9916II and underwent LVI and CAI experimentation. The relative errors between numerical and experimental results of LVI damage area, maximum impact force, impact time, as well as CAI strength are less than 5%. The FE analysis results of LVI show that the dominant damage mode is delamination, and the CAI results demonstrate a brittle behavior with almost no loss of stiffness before failure. It is further deduced that the relationship of LVI energy and damage induced is directly proportional initially; however, after a threshold level of impact energy, the curve turns horizontal so that the increase in further impact energy does not increase the damage area substantially. A similar relationship is developed between impact energy and CAI strength.