Friction and damage of carbon fiber in tow-metal friction during the formation of flexible-oriented three-dimensional composite preforms

Abstract

As the main structure of fiber-reinforced composite, the preform affected the mechanical properties of the composite. The forming of preforms is associated with the damage of fiber due to tow-metal friction, which can compromise the properties of the composite component. This study simulated the frictional behavior of carbon fibers during flexible-oriented three-dimensional woven process to reveal the mechanism of damage and determine the process window, and the effects of processing-related parameters on friction and carbon fiber were discussed. The normal load and pre-tension played a dominant role in generation of hairiness and wear, while the weaving speed had a minimal effect. The different parameters affected the damage of tow by changing the contact area between filament and metal. According to the results, the process window of pre-tension on filament was set to [0.083 mN, 0.183 mN]. The normal load should be within the window of pre-tension, as normal load was determined by pre-tension. The process window of weaving speed was set to [1 Hz, 5 Hz]. The optimized process parameters could improve the tensile strength of woven carbon fiber by 25.7%.

Experimental investigation of the frictional behavior of single glass fiber filament

“…In the case of textile composites, ensuring the quality and performance of the reinforcements, such as fibers and textiles, is an effective means of achieving cost control. 1 Friction, as a mechanical behavior throughout the entire process of the production, manufacturing, and use of fibers and their textiles, profoundly affects the surface properties and structural stability of fibers, yarns, and fabrics, which determines the quality and performance of multi-scale textile reinforcements and formed composites. 2 –5…”