Significant proportion of composite industry is currently produced using prepregs, cured in autoclave which is very expensive and time consuming process. Dry textile preforms in conjunction with liquid molding techniques can lead to significant reductions in material costs, manufacturing costs and cycle times. These dry preforms are typically 2D woven or braided fabrics which also required lay-up and have low interlaminar properties. Through thickness reinforcement provides solution for this problem as it gives better interlaminar properties as well as near net shape performing. Various 3D performing methods are discussed and reviewed in this research where 3D weaving comes out as ideal process to develop near net shape preforms with more efficiency and better material performance. This research highlights the advantages and limitations of conventional 3D weaving processes. A number of approaches for improving the flexibility of 3D weaving process have been presented including changing fiber architecture in different sections of the preform, tapering in the width and thickness directions and finally to change the fiber orientation. It is concluded that multi step and taper fabrics can be produced on conventional weaving by some modifications. Furthermore, a novel 3D weaving machine is designed and developed after reviewing various patents and weaving methods to overcome limitations of conventional weaving machine. Key criterions from limitations of conventional weaving processes are considered and modified such as multiple weft insertion, limited warp stuffer movement, linear take-up to develop 3D weaving machine. In order to achieve isotropic material, two textile technologies are combined to get final requirements. 3D weaving can provide us fibres in 0° and 90° direction with through thickness reinforcement, whereas braiding can satisfy the requirement of bias direction fibres. Near net shape preforms such as taper and multistep are produced and laminated. Preliminary testing is performed on these laminates to evaluate fibre architectures. Further work is required in terms of machine modification which can provide weave design flexibility to explore various multilayer weave architectures. Thorough testing is required to evaluate and define structure performance and effect of fibre damage during weaving process.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:713535 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Jetavat, Dhavalsinh |
| Publisher | University of Manchester |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/near-net-shape-preforming-by-3d-weaving-process(bb697182-f424-480b-963a-dc49b84425c6).html |
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