Draping of Non-Crimp Fabrics for Fibre Reinforced Composites

Abstract

This paper shows the complexity of the draping of non-crimp fabrics for fibre reinforced composites. In order to achieve good draping results, namely the forming of a three dimensional form by using a two dimensional textile structure in a three dimensional form without so called draping errors, the following areas have to be considered: testing of draping characteristics, simulation of draping and the draping process itself. It is shown that so far, a holistic description of the draping characteristics of a textile, especially of non-crimp fabrics is lacking. This reflects in the limitations of the testing devices used. As for the simulation of draping, different simulation methods are used. All are not yet satisfactory concerning non-crimp fabrics. The draping process itself is mostly done manually, which makes the process time and cost intensive as well as not-easily reproducible. It is therefore imperative to do extensive research and development in the three mentioned areas. Some new approaches exist concerning the previous mentioned topics including the automation of the draping process. These approaches will also be shown.