Flexural strength, performance, and cost analysis of multiaxial warp-knitted preforms for composite reinforcements

In the scope of this study, performance analysis of industrial fabrics for composite reinforcement was evaluated from the cost point of view. For the production of composite structures, major considerations can be summarized as stiffness, strength, weight, and cost. In general, manufacturing costs of composites consist of material, labor, overhead, and development costs. The priorities and demands will determine characteristics of the material and process. Specific strength per cost relation is in favor of multiaxial warp-knitted (MWK) fabric. In order to evaluate fiber reinforcements within the group, MWK fabric laminate was compared with woven fabric laminate from the cost/performance point of view. To do so, laminate comparison was performed between MWK fabric and woven fabric reinforced composites. It was found that relative to woven reinforced composite, MWK fabric reinforced composite has lower resin weight, overall composite weight, and labor cost and higher flexural moment with slightly higher material cost.