Three-point flexural performance of tailor-braided thermoplastic composite beam structures

A parameterized unit cell model for 3D braided composites considering transverse braiding angle variation

“…However, reference 20 shows that the transverse braiding angle is affected by the lowest yarn tension and process speed, and there is certain variation between the measured transverse braiding angle of the specimen and the as-designed one. Anubhav 21 summarized previous research 22,23 and pointed out that braiding angles in different areas of composites have significant influences on the thickness and material properties, and the performance can be tailored by designing local braiding angles. Therefore, a generic method for creating parametrized unit cell models considering the transverse braiding angle variation is of great value to the design and analysis of 3D braided composites.…”

Design optimisation of braided composite beams for lightweight rail structures using machine learning methods

“…The thickness of the braided composites was predicted analytically. Assuming a 100% coverage, the width of a braided tow is given as per Equation (7).…”

“…While the results of the program from a manufacturing perspective were encouraging, aligned with the conventions of the composites industry, the project considered uniform braid angles of ±45º, i.e., a quasi-isotropic layup, for all the beams in the chassis. Thus, the resulting design was sub-optimal and did not exploit the potential offered by the correlation reported between properties and braid angle in previous studies [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. As the structural performance is a combined outcome of material properties (dependent on braid angle) and geometry (dependent on braid angle and number of layers), this study investigates the potential of improving the structural efficiency, i.e., per unit weight mechanical performance, by considering different braid angles and number of layers in different beams across the structure.…”

“…Previous studies have demonstrated the use of controlled braid angle variation to achieve superior mechanical performance as well as lightweighting benefits [3][4][5][6][7]. This is a result of the significant dependence of mechanical (stiffness, strength, failure strain etc.)…”