A Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) System for Four-Step Three-Dimensional Braiding

Abstract

To estimate the precise mechanical properties of the three-dimensional (3D) braided composite, a geometric study is needed. Owing to the complexity of the yarn paths inside the preform, the geometric modeling for 3D braided composite is always time consuming. In this paper, an efficient method, namely preform boundary reflection (PBR) method, is proposed for motion model construction in geometric study. Furthermore, the CAD simulation system was developed for integral geometric descriptions of 3D braided preform with different parameters. Compared with the traditional method, the novel method significantly simplifies the simulation process without affecting the precision of geometric structure. As a result, the structure design for composite preform is effectively accelerated. The new method establishes the foundation of microstructure and mechanical properties analysis for the preforms with complex geometric structures.