The computerised weaving of preforms for composites .1. The flattening of 3-dimensional preforms

This is the initial paper of a series which examines the computerised weaving on conventional looms of fabric structures which already have most of the geometrical properties of the desired fabric preform; the design can be easily transformed into an actual preform by use of a simple opening up or unfolding procedure. A further aim of the work is to transfer to a computer the complete process of generating the necessary weaving instructions once the ultimate product geometry has been chosen, In this way, the costly manual process of conversion is avoided. Part I describes the methodology of flattening and examines how it is used to develop the software program needed to allow the flattened design to be woven on a conventional loom. A substantial range of useful preforms can be woven on the basis of the approach outlined in this first paper.