A system for the automatic generation of solid models of woven structures

Visualisation of complex 3D textile structures used to reinforce advanced composite materials can be extremely difficult. 3D models to assist in visualisation are recognised as being very helpful. In addition they can be used as the basis for parametric studies and finite element analysis, although the latter downstream use puts considerable demands upon the solid model. This paper describes a novel technique to automatically generate a parametric solid model of a woven textile reinforced composite material. The solid model is generated using a program file written in I-deas ® Open Language. The input data, provided by the user, describes the cross-sectional shape of tows. The system uses this data to automatically generate a set of basic tow ‘parts’. It then proceeds to put these together in a fabric assembly with appropriate constraints assuring the correct relative positions of the interlacing yarns. This assembly model of the tows constitutes the representative volume element, RVE, of the fabric structure. To demonstrate the principle, the approach is applied to the modelling of a 2D plain weave structure.