Effect of textile geometry on axisymmetric stretch forming of knitted fabric composites

Abstract

Plain weft-knitted fabrics are known for their excellent quality to stretch and drape around a convex surface without wrinkling. In recent years, sheet forming of knitted fabric composites has been investigated in view of promising future applications. In this paper a prediction of attainable shell height is proposed with reference to the textile geometry and the tool profile. Comparison between the measured and predicted shell heights shows reasonable agreement. The present analysis should provide a guideline for manufacturers in selecting the appropriate textile geometry for satisfactory stretch forming operations of knitted fabric composites.