Effect of weaving parameters on fiber structure of 3D woven preforms: A Micro-CT investigation

The fiber structure of three-dimensional (3D) woven preform is generally complex due to the contact interactions and micro-scale deformations of the yarns during the weaving process. The present study explores the effect of weaving parameters on the fiber architecture of 3D woven preforms. Two groups of samples were prepared and observed using micro‐computed tomography (Micro-CT) technology. Semantic segmentation of Micro-CT images was conducted using deep learning algorithm to create explicit models of different yarn systems. Two novel indicators were proposed for quantifying the changes of weft yarn position and warp/binder yarn path. This work clarifies the micro-scale deformation mechanisms of 3D woven structures. The influence of weaving parameters including weft density and weaving structure on the geometric variations of fiber structures was analyzed. The connection between weaving parameters and unit cell variations was established within the scope of this study. The conclusions of this paper would be helpful for the design of preforms with stable fiber structure.