10 - Three-dimensional fabric structures. Part 1 – An overview on fabrication of three-dimensional woven textile preforms for composites

Abstract

There are various manufacturing processes for the interlacement of yarns to produce three-dimensional (3-D) fabric structures as preforms for textile composites. The manufacturing route is determined by the end-use of composites; therefore, the composite industry does not solely rely on one method but a selection of methods for fabric formation. This chapter attempts to make provide a comprehensive overview of fabrication methods that can be used for making 3-D textile woven preforms for composites. There are many different views on what 3-D woven fabrics are, but one common understanding is that 3-D fabrics must have substantial dimension in the thickness direction formed by layers of fabrics or yarns. This chapter classifies 3-D woven textiles into those that can be manufactured on the conventional weaving technology and those that require specially made weaving machines/devices. This chapter attempts to provide useful information for both the textile and composite engineers in developing textile composites for advanced applications.