Abstract
The preforms of three-dimensional (3D) braided composites have a monolithic structure that is braided with high-performance fibers using 3D braiding technology. Compared with traditional laminate composites, braided composites are widely favored because of their superior overall performance and mechanical properties. The capability of fabricating various yarn structures with a flexible 3D rotary braiding method, however, has not been systematically investigated, especially for a variable-section braiding structure. In accordance with the principles of braiding technology and the characteristics of a 3D braiding structure, in this study, we examined a braiding technology for the production of 3D variably shaped cross-section fabric, focusing on three key factors: the topology design of tracks, the arrangement of carriers, and the matrix algorithm of the braiding of variably shaped cross sections. We calculated new kind of structural synthesis approach to a 3D braiding track for a variable section based on the carrier arrangement characteristic method and completed the entire braiding scheme of the variable cross section. In addition, this approach represents an important step toward a simplified understanding of the carrier motion and the operator-independent operation of a 3D rotary braiding machine.
Highlights
Braiding provides an ideal composite material for textile preforms, but the special cross section of braiding is restricted by the braiding procedure of machinery with different cross-section shapes
One major limitation of three-dimensional (3D) braiding composites is that the cross section of a preform is determined by different braiding machines
The braiding process was nonintermittent and continuous high-speed motion by constantly adjusting the status of the tongue-like switches effectively avoided collisions between the carriers in the intersection. This mechanism of braiding with variable cross sections was easy to describe in a logical programming language, it was difficult to present with computable mathematical expressions
Summary
Braiding provides an ideal composite material for textile preforms, but the special cross section of braiding is restricted by the braiding procedure of machinery with different cross-section shapes. RWTH Aachen University and the University of British Columbia jointly developed a second-generation hexagon knitting machine, which greatly increased the number of chassis and the amount of yarn This machine centered on medical applications, and the 3D braiding equipment featured a variably shaped cross section; the track layout had a certain complexity, requiring higher professional standards for operators. Two recent books by Professor Yordan Kyosev in 2015 and in 2016 introduced the basic principle of braiding and the application field of fabric’ structures These books analyzed in detail the principle of the carrier arrangements and the design process of special-shaped cross-section braiding fabric, in relation to 3D rotary braiding.. The oblique track avoided collision between carriers when they moved along the tracks, and braided the variably shaped cross-section structure without changing the machine settings, allowing designers to braid the variably shaped cross section more
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