Comparison of analytical and finite element simulation of 2D braiding

Two-dimensional braiding of a generic preform has been undertaken using test, analytical and advanced explicit finite element simulation methods. The generic preform selected incorporates several important features including two cylindrical and one square section, a tapered cone and two dissimilar flanges. The analytical method has been shown to be computationally fast, but has limited accuracy and cannot directly predict braiding imperfections. Conversely, the explicit finite element method does require a complex model description, but has the capability to detect manufacturing imperfections and accurately predict yarn paths and yarn interactions. A detailed evaluation and comparison of the two methods is made against test results from the generic preform, which was deliberately manufactured to have both good and imperfect yarn architecture.