Lateral compaction effects in braided structures

Abstract This paper addresses the phenomenology of strand interaction in biaxial non‐embedded braided textile structures under uniaxial tension. The specific interest in the development of new braided textile structures is a result of the shortcomings of current rope, belt, and cable performance under large strain controlled conditions. However, this work also holds particular significance in the area of textile composite preforms. In composites forming, the lateral strand compaction mechanism, which drives braid behavior under tension, may be applied to woven fabrics for predicting wrinkling during forming processes. Additionally, manufacturing models produced in this study may be used to predict shape and size limitations of braided composite preforms. In this paper, a generalized model is developed for these structures with the intent of characterizing and predicting mechanical behavior. The methodology consists of a modular framework, which includes the prediction of manufacturing parameters. Lateral strand compaction tests were performed to generate constitutive material curves for use in analytical geometric models. Model predictions correlate well with data generated from braid uniaxial tension tests. Results suggest that lateral strand strain drives braid tensile behavior.