Investigating the shear behaviour of high-performance fabrics

Abstract

Shear modulus is a critical factor that significantly influences the mechanical properties and overall performance of these textiles. Understanding the mechanics behind fabric performance during forming operations is of paramount importance, especially given the diverse use of various fabric types as key components in composite products. Fabric's ability to undergo shear deformation is a pivotal attribute in forming and facilitating the transformation of 2-dimensional preforms into intricate 3-dimensional structures. In numerous industrial applications, the manufacturing of composite materials heavily relies on carbon and Kevlar fibers. This research investigates the relationship between shear stress and wrinkling in single-layer structures. The investigation involved woven fabrics composed of carbon, Kevlar, and hybrid carbon-Kevlar configurations. The study encompassed an assessment of shear characteristics, wrinkling force, and fabric stiffness for each fabric variant. To comprehensively analyze the intricate interplay among in-plane shear characteristics, fabric parameters, and tow properties in the scope of shear behavior, the study's findings underwent meticulous scrutiny. Selected tow and fabric parameters exhibit a substantial paired association with the fabric shear modulus, a deduction derived from analysis of experimental results. The formulated fabric shear index serves as a valuable tool for categorizing the fabric's response to shear forces. The shear force component that triggers the onset of buckling demonstrates a proportional relationship with the cube root of the fabric shear modulus. This observation sheds light on the intricate connection between shear properties and mechanical behavior, offering valuable insights into the fabric's performance under various conditions.