Improving two-dimensional braided composite tensile properties by including low angle yarn twist: Production, experimental verification, and modeling

Abstract

Tubular braided composites combine manufacturing technologies from textiles and composites industries. The design of the reinforcing textile structure plays a significant role in the mechanical characteristics of the final composite. Twisted yarns have shown improved strength over untwisted ones, even for continuous multifilament yarns where twist is not necessary for the manufacturing process. In this work, a manufacturing process is piloted in which twisted yarns are introduced to the braiding process. Static testing is then done to determine the impact of yarn twist on the stiffness and strength. Finally, the Ramberg–Osgood model is adapted to the results in order to provide a descriptive model for the behavior of tubular braided composites beyond the proportional limit.