Bias fiber control during wrapping of a fabric preform for a composite component

摘要

A method is disclosed of directing bias tows of a fabric to be wrapped around a form to create a fabric preform. The fabric includes at least a first set of bias tows that are generally parallel with one another and a second set of bias tows that are generally parallel with one another but that are not parallel with the first set of bias tows. An edge strip is attached to ends of the first set of bias tows at a first lateral edge of the fabric relative to a feed direction of the fabric onto the form. The edge strip is moved to direct the first set of bias tows. The fabric is wrapped around the form by rotating the fabric and form relative to one another about the central axis of the form to create the fabric preform.

主权项

1. A method of directing bias tows of a fabric to be wrapped around a form to create a fabric preform, the fabric including at least a first set of bias tows that are generally parallel with one another and a second set of bias tows that are generally parallel with one another but that are not parallel with the first set of bias tows, the method comprising:
attaching an edge strip to ends of the first set of bias tows at a first lateral edge of the fabric relative to a feed direction of the fabric onto the form; moving the edge strip to direct the first set of bias tows; and wrapping the fabric around the form by rotating the fabric and form relative to one another about the central axis of the form to create the fabric preform; wherein, by moving the edge strip to direct the first set of bias tows, a shear is induced in the fabric so as to facilitate formation of a feature on the fabric preform, and wherein the step of moving the edge strip is separate from the step of wrapping the fabric.