Non-Axisymmetric Overbraiding Process Modeling Based on Enhanced Kinematic Models

Overbraiding allows rapid production of complex composite performs, especially using the carbon fiber. There are a variety of geometric and mechanical models to describe the overbraiding process. However, the existing models are either low accuracy, limited to axisymmetric mandrels or high time cost, which means the existing methods are not applicable for closed-loop control during overbraiding. This paper proposes a new model to describe the overbraiding process of non-axisymmetric mandrels with low time cost and high accuracy, and this model is applicable for closed-loop control. The model is based on the enhanced kinematic models and uses the Newton-Raphson method to solve the equations, which ensures the low time cost. Besides, the relationship between the interlacement of yarns in the convergence zone and the deposition of yarns on the mandrel are considered as a whole in this paper, which improves the accuracy.