CFRP using braided preforms/RTM process for aircraft applications

Abstract

Braiding is one of the useful textile techniques for fabricating near-net-shaped fiber preforms. Automated braided preform fabrication process has been improved. Triaxial braiding was evaluated as a means of reducing the cost of producing airplane framesusing automation technology. A new preforming process was proposed to make the near-net-shaped preforms by using the conventional tubular braiding technique and deforming technique to change the configuration into the near-net-shapes. The preforms were fabricated with carbon fibers by using the new performing process and molded using resin transfer molding (RTM) process with epoxy resin into I-beam frames and panels for investigating mechanical testing and production cost. Mechanical testing and cost analysis indicated that the mechanical properties of the braided composites are superior to those of aluminum materials and that the combination of the braiding and the RTM process is less costly than the hand-lay-up and autoclave process.

A machine vision system for the braid angle measurement of tubular braided structures

“…In many studies involving 2D braided composites, braid tubes are produced and either flattened to produce flat samples 2,38 or molded into a desired cross-sectional shape, as was done by Uozumi et al. 39 prior to the braid angle measurement. The initial braided fiber structure is, however, produced in a tubular fashion due to the axisymmetric nature of the 2D braiding process.…”

Finite element simulation of the braiding process for arbitrary mandrel shapes

“…High flexibility in geometric design, high transverse moduli and strength as well as good impact resistance can be achieved with braided parts for applications in structural components [3]. Braided preforms can be handled and draped easily after the preforming process due to their textile structure [4].…”

Historical development of geometrical modelling of textiles reinforcements for polymer composites: A review

“…In terms of performance, composites reinforced with 2D braids show good strength under loading in tension but not in compression [5]. Uozumi et al [6] proposed using a preform deforming process, whereby near-net shape fibre preforms for composite reinforcements are produced in shaped 'I', 'J', 'T' or 'Z' profiles from 2D tubular braids and assembled.…”