Abstract
This paper describes a study of the microstructure of 3D braided preforms produced by the four-step 1 x 1 method. An analytical approach is employed in conjunction with experimental investigation to establish the relationship between the braid structure and braiding parameters. Microscopic evidence of the microstructure of preforms reveals the different configurations of the yarns in the interior, surface and corner regions of a braided preform. On the basis of microscopic observations, three types of microstructural unit cell models are established for the three regions. By using these three unit cell models, the structural geometry of the preforms is analyzed and the mathematical relationships among the structural parameters, such as the yarn packing factor, fiber orientation, fiber volume fraction, braiding pitch, are derived. From the preforms to the finial composites, if the RTM process is utilized, the unit cell size and shape will be changed. The modification of the relationships among the structural parameters has been made. Good agreement has been obtained between the calculated and measured values of the geometric characteristics of braided composite samples.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 391-404 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Composites Science and Technology |
Volume | 59 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 1999 |
Keywords
- A. Fabrics/textiles
- A. Polymer-matrix composites
- A. Textile composites
- B. Microstructure
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ceramics and Composites
- General Engineering