Subproject A3: Flat-knitted and woven spacer fabrics from hybrid yarns for composites
Supervision
Dr.-Ing. Gerald Hoffmann
TU Dresden
Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology
01062 Dresden
Germany
Phone: +49 351 463-35239
Fax: +49 351 463-34026
Abstract
The aim of the project is to develop textile-based sandwich preforms for lightweight applications. Textile-based woven and flat-knitted preforms are produced from commingled hybrid yarns which consist of at least one reinforcement component and one thermoplastic matrix component.
In the second phase of the project, the cross-section geometry of spacer fabrics is extended from U-shaped to trapezoids. Furthermore, uniaxially curved spacer fabrics will be developed and the structure of preforms will be adapted for function integration. Solutions concerning the textile production will be analyzed in order to integrate inserts and sensor networks. The structure of flat-knitted spacer fabrics will be modified through multi-layer constructions and cross-links in production direction. The aims of production include further evaluations of the woven and flat-knitted spacer fabrics. Weight per unit area and the layer thickness of spacer fabrics will be increased through structural modifications. Woven spacer fabrics will be modified to produce uniaxially curved and foldable preforms. The extension to trapezoid form improves the mechanical properties, in particular shear strength. For the integration of inserts, an assembly-friendly production of preforms is necessary. Conductive and functionalized hybrid yarns will be woven into the structure. Partial solutions will be generated regarding the routing, integration of sensors and connection points. Flat-knitted spacer fabrics will be further developed as preforms for crash elements with high energy absorption and defined deformation.
In the following phases of the collaborative research centre, further methods and solutions will be developed for the requirement-compatible design of woven and flat-knitted spacer fabrics with variable structures, doubly curved surfaces and near-net-shape structures. These design requirements will be determined with other subprojects and demonstrator.