Biaxial tubular hybrid braided structures with supreme tensile performance: Experimental and statistical assessments

Abstract

Biaxial tubular braided structures are increasingly being recognized as superior alternatives to traditional materials in structural engineering due to their enhanced tensile properties and durability. In this study, the mechanical characteristics of these structures are examined, focusing on the influence of braiding angle, yarn hybridization, and layer configurations on tensile behavior. Sixteen diverse specimens, crafted from polyester and basalt yarns using a 32-carrier vertical braiding machine, are explored, incorporating variations across four braiding angles, three hybridizations, and both single and dual-layer setups. Each specimen underwent rigorous uniaxial tensile testing, revealing critical insights into the relationships between structural configuration and mechanical performance. It was found that increasing the braiding angle significantly enhances elongation, strain, and energy absorption capacities. Additionally, a higher basalt yarn content was observed to amplify tensile strength, suggesting potential for tailored structural optimization. Notably, dual-layer configurations were found to outperform single layers in tensile efficiency, underscoring the advantage of layered designs in engineering applications. A significant gap in current literature is filled by this study, as a detailed analysis of biaxial tubular hybrid braids is provided, paving the way for their informed application in advanced composite structures.