Woven Preform Design for Mineral Fibre Composites
topic
Three-dimensional woven preforms for mineral fibre composites interlace fibre tows in three orthogonal directions creating integral through-thickness reinforcement that prevents delamination failure absent in conventional two-dimensional laminates, with angle interlock, layer-to-layer, and orthogonal weave architectures providing different combinations of in-plane and through-thickness mechanical properties for thick composite sections.
Role
Addresses the critical delamination weakness of conventional two-dimensional composite laminates by producing integral three-dimensionally reinforced preforms for thick composite components including composite aircraft engine fan blades, wind turbine blade root sections, and rocket motor nozzle throats where through-thickness reinforcement is required for structural integrity under impact and mechanical loading.