Numerical modeling and simulation prediction of the forming process of 3D-tubular braided composite reinforcements

• Published in: Thin-walled structures Vol. 205; p. 112426
• Main Authors: Li, Jinlei, Hamila, Nahiène, Guzman-Maldonado, Eduardo, L'Hostis, Gildas, Wang, Peng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Braided fabrics; Forming; Non-orthogonal hyperelastic model; Numerical simulation; Textiles composites; Non-orthogonal hyperelastic model; Forming; Numerical simulation; Braided fabrics; Textiles composites
• ISSN: 0263-8231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tws.2024.112426

•The deformability of complex structural reinforcements, such as 3D-tubular textile fabrics, was investigated during forming tests on molds of different shapes.•A non-orthogonal hyperelastic model was developed to describe the mechanical behavior of 3D-tubular braided reinforcements during the forming process.•Numerical simulation results were validated by experimental approaches, and the simulation analysis could predict the manufacturing feasibility conditions for final composite parts. Tubular braids with a hollow structure are considered to be ideal reinforcements for manufacturing composite pipes and cylindrical structures. The mechanical properties of the fabric are critical in the forming process. A new simulation approach based on the non-orthogonal hyperelastic constitutive model for predicting the mechanical behavior of tubular braided reinforcements during forming was proposed. The validity and accuracy of this approach were certified by the uniaxial tensile test of tubular braided fabrics and the maximum errors are <15 %. In addition, preforming of fabrics on the tetrahedrons and cylinders has been investigated. The predicted shear angle and elongation of a single yarn of the tubular fabric after forming showed good agreement with experimental results. The maximum errors of shear angle and elongation of a single yarn are 10.4 % and 9.8 %, respectively. Furthermore, the formability of the fabric was also predicted to achieve damage-free preforms. This work thus gives a novelty perspective to further guide tubular braided fabric processing during the forming process. [Display omitted]