Spatial distribution of yarns and mechanical properties in 3D braided tubular composites

A method is presented for designing three-dimensional (3D) braided preforms in textile technology. The method involves (1) braiding of tubular cross-section; (2) geometric description of the yarn; (3) yarn description after preform; and (4) forecasting the mechanical properties in the final composite. A closed-loop linkage connects the properties of the composite to the initial preform braiding setup design. The analytical development provides design simulations of three dimensionally braided, complex-shaped and property-specific composites.