Influence of weave architectures on the mechanical behaviour of 3D composites

This paper studies the physical and mechanical performance of three main architectures used in 3D woven composites, focusing on their tensile, flexural, and short-beam strength properties. The primary goal of this paper was to investigate the physical and mechanical effects of three different weave architectures, Layer-to-Layer (LL), Angled Interlock (AI), and Orthogonal (ORTH), using a consistent loom set-up. This approach aims to facilitate the seamless manufacture of transitions between weave architectures within a single perform, allowing for tailored properties to meet the requirements of specific applications by evaluating each architecture in warp and weft directions. The results indicate that the AI and ORTH architectures have better tensile properties than the LL architecture in the warp direction, highlighting the importance of warp stuffers in improving tensile strength. On the other hand, the LL architecture showed superior tensile and flexural properties in the weft direction due to 11% and 17% higher directional fibre content compared to AI and ORTH. Additionally, the AI architecture exhibited improved short beam strength in the warp direction due to the angled warp binder tows. This study emphasises how the distribution of resin-rich regions and fibre architecture can influence mechanical properties, with specific architectures providing advantages in different loading conditions. Furthermore, by ensuring a consistent loom set-up across all architectures, this work presents a novel approach to manufacturing 3D woven composites, offering enhanced design flexibility and streamlined fabrication processes.