HOOP TOW MODIFICATION FOR A FABRIC PREFORM FOR A COMPOSITE COMPONENT

摘要

A method of forming a fabric preform (20) for a composite component from a fabric (44) having a plurality of hoop tows (46) is disclosed. One end of the fabric (44) is received on the form such that the hoop tows (46) of the fabric (44) extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a central axis of the form. The fabric (44) is wrapped around the form and at least some of the hoop tows (46) are separated into hoop tow segments (87) while the fabric (44) is under a tension to enable a space (100) to develop between ends of adjacent hoop tow segments (87) along the length of the hoop tow (46). This separation of adjacent hoop tow segments (87) accommodates increased deformation of the fabric (44) during formation of the fabric preform (20) while still maintaining a presence of hoop tow segments (87) in at least portions of the fabric (44).