Modeling of yarn interactions for non-axisymmetric biaxial overbraiding simulations
Anh Ngoc Vu, W.J.B. Grouve, Remko Akkerman
Abstract
Overbraiding is an efficient manufacturing process for complex composite preforms. Process simulations to predict the braid angle and coverage are useful when designing braid reinforced products. It is known that neglecting yarn interaction in such simulations leads to an incorrect prediction of the braiding angle and cover factor of the braid. This study reports a new yarn interaction model to simulate the biaxial overbraiding process for non-axisymmetric and complex preforms. An Eulerian on Lagrangian approach is used, allowing the stick and slip process to be resolved at each point of contact. A fast frontal approach is implemented to account for the multiple interlaced points. Validations for different biaxial cases are presented, obtaining good agreement with previous experiments. Numerical tests show that the braid angle and the convergence zone length are significantly affected by the coefficient of friction until reaching the steady state where the braid angle is unchanged with time.