On the basis of the established 3D unit cell model of 3 dimensional (3D) five directional braided composites, a tensile strength numerical model was proposed via 3D finite element analysis (FEA) compared with Iso strain assumption and maximum stress failure criteria. The predictive strength was in good agreement with available experimental data, which demonstrated the applicability of the presented model. The numerical results show that the main failure modes of 3D five directional braided composites are tension of the axial yarn, which are consistent rele vant with experimental results.