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Tensile properties of 2D braid reinforced composites are analyzed with regards to process-induced fiber architecture variations. First, a parametric study concerning the effect of radial braiding parameters on the braid characteristics is performed and a quantitative quality index based on visual attributes is introduced. Second, test laminates are produced with vacuum resin infusion to conduct tensile tests with biaxial and triaxial braids of varying qualities. To correlate fiber architecture variations with mechanical properties, each braided layer is scanned and analyzed by means of gray scale based image processing. This allows for determining specimen-specific fiber orientations and correlating them with mechanical properties. The results show strong correlations of measured fiber architectures and mechanical properties. Thus, the study suggests that detailed information about the (local) fiber architecture should allow for significantly improving the prediction of 2D braided composite properties. [Display omitted] • Distance between braiding ring and mandrel has a strong influence on braid quality. • Tensile strength scattering strongly correlates with fiber angle variations. • Triaxial braids are more affected by fiber architecture variations than biaxial ones. • Elongation at break is higher for homogeneous braids than for inhomogeneous braids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scope of the presented work is a detailed comparison of a macroscopic draping model with real fibre architecture on a complex non-crimp-fabric preform using a new robot-based optical measurement system. By means of a preliminary analytical process design approach, a preforming test centre is set up to manufacture dry non-crimp-fabric preforms. A variable blank holder setup is used to investigate the effect of different process parameters on the fibre architecture. The real fibre architecture of those preforms is captured by the optical measurement system, which generates a threedimensional model containing information about the fibre orientation along the entire surface of the preform. The measured and calculated fiber orientations are then compared with the simulation results in a three-dimensional overlay file. The results show that the analytical approach is able to predict local hot spots with high shear angles on the preform. Macroscopic simulations show a higher sensitivity towards changes in blank holder pressure than reality and limit the approach to precisely predict fibre architecture parameters on complex geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]