Formability of a non-crimp 3D orthogonal weave E-glass composite reinforcement

In this paper, the formability of a single layer E-glass non-crimp 3D orthogonal woven reinforcement (commercialized under trademark 3WEAVE by 3Tex Inc.) is experimentally investigated. The study involves the forming process of the 3D fabric on two complex moulds, namely tetrahedron and double-dome. The tests are assisted by 3D digital image correlation measurement to have a continuous registration of the fabric local deformation. Moreover, the results of bending tests in warp and weft direction are detailed to enlarge the mechanical properties data set of the 3D reinforcement, necessary for understanding its deformability capacities in forming processes. The elevated bending stiffness of the 3D fabric means that use of a blank-holder during forming is not required. The reinforcement has a good drapability and it is able to form complex shapes without defects (wrinkles and fibre distortions). The collected experimental results represent an important dataset for numerical simulations of any complex shape with the considered 3D fabric composite reinforcement.