3D
reinforced composites are composite structures which are reinforced in
multiple directions, including the through thickness direction. This
means that unlike conventional laminated composites, which are usually
only reinforced in the plane of the laminate, or metallic alternatives,
3D engineered composites can exhibit varied material properties
throughout a single component. For example, a component might be
designed and produced to provide increased shear strength in one area
and increased axial stiffness in another.
The
key to 3D engineered composites is the design of the material system –
the fiber and matrix materials that will be used as well as the fiber
architecture, which describes the directions and relative percentages of
reinforcement. By controlling all of these factors, AEC is able to
engineer components that meet specific performance goals while
simultaneously satisfying component cost, qualification, certification,
and eventual production needs.
How do we accomplish 3D or complex structural and performance properties?
AEC uses and blends a number of technologies for this, including…
3D Woven Composites
AEC
has the ability to weave composite preforms in three dimensions,
effectively weaving through thickness reinforcements directly into a
component during preform fabrication.
Contour Weaving
With
contour weaving we can manufacture either single- or multi-layer 3D
woven axisymmetric structures with contoured cross sectional profiles,
with the intention that the final woven preform shape be similar to the
final component shape. This reduces part production costs (because
additional preform cutting, darting, or special additional forming is
not needed) and improves product structural performance (because the
part is continuously woven).
Steered Weaving
AEC
can ‘steer’ fibers when creating single- or multi-layer 3D woven
fabrics. The result is a composite structure comprised of reinforcement
fibers that turn and follow the natural geometry of the part. This
reduces part production costs (because additional cutting, darting, or
special additional forming is not needed) and improves product
structural performance (because shape is continuously woven).
Discrete Through Thickness Reinforcements
AEC can add additional
discrete through-thickness reinforcements to
both 2D and 3D woven products in order to improve strength properties
throughout a material or specific region of a final component.
