IMPROVED FIBER ARCHITECTURE FOR PI-PREFORMS

摘要

A woven preform for a reinforced composite material, which may be woven flat and folded into shape. The preform has a three-dimensional weave architecture with fill fibers (114) woven to provide layer-to-layer interlocking of layers of warp fiber (116) as well as interlocking of fibers within each layer. At least two legs (125;135) extend from a base (120), the base (120) and legs (125;135) each having at least two layers of warp fibers. The legs (125;135) can be connected at a symmetrical or asymmetrical, distributed-column intersection, with an even or odd number of columns of warp fibers being located between the legs. The outer ends of the base and/or legs preferably have tapers formed from terminating layers of warp fibers in a stepped pattern.