Weaving thickness parameters of “8” shape 3D woven enhancing fabric

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to deduce the thickness property of three‐dimensional (3D) composite produced by 3D woven enhancing fabric based on an academic model. Design/methodology/approach Thickness of 3D composite is determined by the important weaving parameter – the length of binder yarn. According to the shape of pile formed by binder yarn, curve function of pile is supposed. A rapier loom is modified for the 3D woven enhancing fabrics, and the composite is produced based on the fabric. The thickness of composite is produced and the theories results are validated. Findings The result of the analysis shows that the curve of pile formed by binder yarn can be expressed as sin function approximately, and there is linear relation between the thickness of composite and the length of pile of binder yarn. Research limitations/implications The results cannot be provided to study the relationship of thickness based on different technology of composite. Originality/value The paper provides an academic method of calculating the thickness of composite and the relationship between the thickness of composite and the length of binder yarn. The method can reduce the testing time.