Geometrical modelling of orthogonal/layer-to-layer woven interlock carbon reinforcement

Abstract

For the present work, we have studied the mesostructural geometry of orthogonal/layer-to-layer carbon–glass reinforcements woven on a conventional loom. The geometry of such woven reinforcements can be categorized in terms of crimp amplitude and cross-sectional shape of the warp and weft tows. These two vary with the structure of the woven fabric. The study was meant to characterize their geometry and study the influence of various factors on their mesostructural geometry. A geometrical modelling approach is developed and the results are compared with the geometrical parameters obtained from measurements on optical photomicrographs and the surface of the woven fabrics. It is demonstrated that the modelling approach can be used for the calculation of crimp values in 3D interlock structures.