Mechanical Properties of Composite Panels Reinforced with Integrally Woven 3-D Fabrics

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Abstract
An investigation is reported in which six three-dimensional cellular fabrics were designed and woven. They consisted of two facings connected by an integrally woven sinusoidal core. In lateral compression, the ratio of the cell-repeat distance to the fabric thickness determines the resistance of the fabrics to buckling. Composite panels were fabricated by impregnating the fabrics with resin. Formulae developed allow the cross-sectional area and second moments of area of the panels to be calculated. Tensile tests were performed on the panel facings and whole structures to measure the Young's moduli and strengths in the longitudinal (weft) and transverse (warp) directions. Flexural tests were made to measure the beam flexural rigidities. The structural analysis of the beam sections together with the tensile properties of the beams enables flexural properties to be accurately predicted. The properties of the 3-D beams in flexure are comparable to those of other engineering materials, but the fabric-based, cellular composites will have advantages as components in composite structures.

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