Development and anti-bending behavior of a ‘π’ shape 3D woven composite

Hollow woven composites are widely used as matrix in aeronautics and vehicles. This paper develops a new ‘π’ shape of 3D woven hollow composite to optimize its bending property. The new structure composite is woven with overlapping warp integral panel enhancing method. In order to weave it out, a new structure of heald has been innovated. Three specimens with different thickness of panels are manufactured by this method. The anti-bending performances of the composites are carried out by four-point bending tests. The experimental results show that with an increase of the number of the composites layers, the Young's modulus and failure loads of the composites are increased significantly.