Formability of 3D orthogonal interlock woven composite reinforcement

The chapter explores the deformability and formability of a typical 3DNCO glass fabric, including the change of its initial internal geometry (e.g., the one provided in a flat sheet of as-woven fabric) after it has been formed into a composite preform. It is based on research carried out by the authors in the first half of the 2010s. This investigation covers the resistance of glass fiber 3DNCOW fabrics to different deformation modes, and their behavior when draped with molds of different shapes, as being studied both experimentally and theoretically. Particularly, the change of internal geometry of the fabric after deformation has been studied with X-ray CT. Similar studies have been carried out extensively for 3DLAIW fabrics in relation to fan blade production. For 3DNCO or, more generally, for 3DOI woven fabrics, the literature in this respect is quite limited, and we believe that an overview of available studies will be useful as a starting point for the future evaluations of the applicability of 3DNCO fabrics for specific industrial products, where various types of preform draping are essential.