Author(s)

D. Bigaud, L. Dreano, L. Caramaro & P. Hamelin

Abstract

A 3D braiding machine has been designed in order to produce high performance composites. In a first part, we sum up the process parameters that allow the construction of a unit-cell of the reinforcement. Based on this representative elementary element, a simple model is developed for tie prediction of the stiffness properties of the braided composite. In order to compare the performances of 2D and 3D braiding configuration, simulations of the effect of the braiding angle on compliance terms are first carried out. In a second part, an experimental comparison is made on the responses of2D and 3 D braided carbonRA12 composite cylinders under low velocity impact loading. Two levels of impact energy are considered (7 and 11 J). Compression-after-impact and vibration tests are carried out so as to show the less sensitivity of the 3D reinforcement to impacts

Keywords