This paper discusses equipment and processes for fabricating braided composite structures, including examples of aerospace and defense applications. The operation of braiding equipment is explained, emphasizing advantages and limitations as they pertain to composites, and material systems and mandrel materials are discussed. Tradeoffs between part geometry, braider size, material system, and fiber orientation are explained and specific examples of braided stiffeners, an undersea hull section, and a flexible drive shaft and coupling are provided. The tooling concept and fabrication process for each part is described and performance of braided composite structures is discussed.
Braided composite structures
Faserverbundbauteile
1988
7 Seiten, 6 Bilder
Conference paper
English