Abstract
The fabrication of braided-to-net-shape graphite/epoxy composites has been demonstrated for channel, cruciform, Tee, and hat section geometries. Resin impregnation, cure, and tooling methods were devised, which successfully combined dry-braided AS4 fiber preforms with neat 3501-6 resin to produce the various shapes. The local buckling, post-buckling, and crippling behavior of short thin-walled braided compression members were investigated. The braided composites displayed large scatter in their test data, which may be characteristic of this form of construction. Stiffener pull-off-strength of the braided tee-section approached the transverse strength of the braided composite. Handling during fabrication was much easier with the braid than with conventional prepreg. The braid required only ¼ the time used to layup and bag a similar channel specimen using identical tooling. The high cost of the orthogonal braiding process remains the major barrier to serious structural applications.
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