Structural modeling and analysis of three-dimensional cross-linked braided preforms

Abstract Rotary braiding is widely used in the preparation of high-performance fiber composites. However, neither conventional rotary two-dimensional braiding nor rotary three-dimensional braiding can prepare three-dimensional preforms with low porosity and dense surface yarns. This article designs a three-dimensional cross-linked braiding equipment, describes the mechanism of carrier motion of three-dimensional cross-linked braiding, and obtains a numerical model of three-dimensional cross-linked braided preforms by establishing the spatial coordinate system of the braided chassis and using cubic B-spline curve fitting. The reasons for the large difference between the numerical model of preform and the real fabric are analyzed, and an optimization algorithm is proposed to make the fabric compact by gathering the yarn to the center of the fabric. The experimental samples are braided on a three-dimensional cross-linked braiding machine, and the reliability of the optimization algorithm is verified by comparing the yarn coordinates of the experimental samples with those of the optimized numerical model. The accurate establishment of the geometric model of the preform provides a solid foundation for carrying out the prediction of the mechanical properties of composite materials.