Production Principles for a T 3D Woven Nodal Structure (T-3DWNS).

The integrated three-dimensional (3D) woven nodal structure (3DWNS) is regarded as one category of 3D textile structure, and it has potential applications for creating lightweight composite truss structures. The conventional weaving technology has been adapted for the manufacture of a variety of 3DWNS’s. This allows the production, in the woven fabric plane, of either a two dimensional (2D) flat solid form, or a 2D shaped woven preform. Once the woven 2D form is removed from the tensions of the loom enables the transition from 2D into a 3D woven structure (2D-to-3D). This paper introduces an innovative approach based on the conventional weaving principles for creating a fully integrated 3DWNS in a T-shape (T-3DWNS). This fabrication method provided the forming of a node point without distortion, whilst maintaining the circumference of the adjoining child strut to a main/parent strut. This eliminated the need for further joining processes to bond the truss structure together; providing a fully integrated and lighter textile truss structure for composites engineering. This paper defines the design parameters and range of specifications for the production of the T-3DWNS and introduces derivative configurations for future development.