Achieving vertically-integrated carbon-fibre reinforcement design and manufacture demonstrators for structural manufacturing and construction 3-D composites (AVISC)

The overall objective of this innovative project is to achieve robust vertically-integrated design and manufacture for structural 3-D carbon-fibre reinforced composites (CFRCs) for the High-Value Manufacturing sector and woven 3-D woven reinforcements for concrete and composites for the Construction sector. M Wright and Sons (MWS) have designed, commissioned and developed a unique CNC-controlled loom, with weaving CADCAM, capable of weaving 3-D solid carbon fibre reinforcement pre-form (CFRP) sections for CFRCs. As there is no other commercial 3-D structural CFRC manufacturing technology there are no data to analyse these components using Finite Element (FE) techniques. Key innovations are the creation of mechanical-property knowledge through the correlation of theoretical simulations and test results and the development of algorithms and software to relate 3-D solid CAD models to weaving CAD enabling composites and reinforcement pre-forms to match user requirements.