Advanced measurement techniques for braided composite structures: A review of current and upcoming trends

Abstract

Braiding is an advanced textile manufacturing method that is used to produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional components. Unlike laminated structures, braids have interlaced yarns that form a continuity between layers. This structure allows for improved impact resistance, damage tolerance, and improved through-thickness reinforcement. Despite the numerous advantages of braided composites, braids also have shortcomings. Their highly complex fiber architecture presents challenges in the availability and choice of the strain measuring and characterization techniques. Advanced measurement methods such as optical strain measurement, micro-computed tomography, and in situ strain measurement are required. Optical strain measurement methods such as digital image correlation and high-speed imaging are necessary to accurately measure the complex deformation and failure that braided composites exhibit. X-ray-based micro-computed tomography measurements can provide detailed geometric and morphologic information for braided structures, which is necessary for accurately predicting the mechanical properties of braided structures. Finally, in situ strain measurement methods will provide detailed information on the internal deformation and strain that exists within braided structures. In situ sensors will also allow for in-service health monitoring of braided structures. This paper provides a detailed review of the aforementioned sensing technologies and their relation to the measurement of braided composite structures.

Review on the performances and applications of mesh-fabrics

“…37–39 When it is used as reinforcement to prepare foam 40,41 or concrete composites, 42 the geometric structure of yarn and the mechanical behavior of fabric play a crucial role in the infiltration and reinforcement of composite matrix, which involves the study of its flexural and shear resistance. 43–47…”

Finite element analysis of 2-D tubular braided composite based on geometrical models to study mechanical performances

“…The indicated variables are braid angle (𝜃), yarn diameter (𝑑), and undulation length. Braid angle is the most critical geometrical variable that significantly affects the mechanical properties of the TBC [38]. Other parameters of TBC and the process for developing each yarn pattern are introduced in Appendix 1.…”

Visualization and quantification of low-velocity impact damage of three-dimensional braided CFRP composites by micro-computed tomography

“…As reviewed in the previous references, many researchers have focused on the damage evolution and failure characterization of composites through a variety of detection methods [ 7 , 8 ]. As a novel non-destructive technology (NDT), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is being widely employed to characterize micro-structure features [ 9 , 10 ], internal damage distributions [ 11 , 12 ], and micro-structure variations of fabrics [ 13 , 14 ].…”