Approximate analysis of forming forces in woven preforms

In this paper, an approximate analysis has been developed for rapid computation of forming forces. The orientation of yarns in a deformed woven fabric on a surface is obtained using a differential geometry based draping algorithm. The fabric is assumed to behave like a membrane with very small strain along the principal yarn directions. This assumption allows computation of the tension along the yarns and the pressure on the surface. This methodology can also identify areas of wrinkling, which is a function of shear stiffness and applied forces. © 2009 Springer/ESAFORM.