Development of 3D Knitted Preform for Creating a Tjointmonolithic composite

A significant improvement in the mechanical properties of T-joint composite can be achieved by applyingmonolithic 3D preforms. Using T-shape preforms reduces stress concentration caused by geometric discontinuities inthe common T-joint structures. In order to achieve a monolithic preform, tubular knitting technology has been used.For this purpose special techniques such as binding off, intarsia and transfer have been employed for producing 3D Tshapestructure using electronic flat knitting machine. The knitting process consists of several stages and the criteriasurrounding each stage have been optimized by changing the setup of the machine. In addition to the elimination ofstress concentration, the time of production and uniform T-joint composite can be stated as benefits of 3D T-shapepreforms.

Keywords:

composite , monolithic , 3D preform , T-joint