This proposal's objective is to design and improve the porosity and mechanical properties of 3D woven Pi preforms for the for the aircraft structures manufacturing with Pi joints. BRM is going to utilize it's expertise and experience in 3D weaving and resin film infusion to reach these objectives. BRM is going to utilize existing PI preform patent as a base and develop new weave pattern to include built-in Fillets on the Pi preforms where upright legs of the Pi preform meet with the base of the PI. BRM is going to calculate the amount of fiber is needed to built the Fillets and incorporate them in the new weave pattern. BRM is going to manufacture the built-in Fillets with 0.150
Benefit: The anticipated benefits of this research and development is to improve the overall performance of the Pi preforms, improve the reliability and reduce the scatter in test data. The increased load carrying capacity will enable to build large composite structures for manned/unmanned aircraft and also for space vehicles. Pi preforms will help establish a sound technological foundation for the cost-effective design of future composite structures for defense, space, and commercial vehicles. The proposed technology can be applicable for commercial aerospace industry such as applications to space tourism, satellite communications and orbital debris removal.
Keywords: 3D woven PI preform with built-in Fillets, 3D woven PI preform with built-in Fillets
