Micro-CT characterization of variability in 3D textile architecture

In the present work, we explore the potential of X-ray micro-computed tomography (X-ray micro CT) to characterize the microstructural variation of four different 3D warp-interlaced fabrics. The accuracy of the technique was determined quantitatively by comparing measured values of yarn thickness, width and spacing between the yarns from X-ray micro CT images with measurements obtained from optical micrographs of the same textile. This comparison indicates that the difference between the two techniques is not statistically significant, lending credence to X-ray micro CT as a means to acquire input for models of textiles and textile composites. Micro-structural variation in a given fabric was found to be quite large (standard deviation of the geometrical parameters up to 16%). A comparison of similar yarns in different directions and fabrics also resulted in large variations. Variability of the fabric parameters is implemented in a "virtual textile" model of 3D fabrics. The influence of the variability of the fabric internal geometry on the mechanical properties of the composite is estimated using a micro-mechanical model. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.