Composites research paves the way for aerospace weaving

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The pioneering application of X-ray imaging technology could lead to the wider adoption of high-specification composite materials, in particular woven textile composites, according to a research group at Manchester University. 

The claim hinges om work published in the  Journal of Composites Science and Technology, in which researchers have demonstrated a comprehensive picture of the evolution of damage in braided textile composites.

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Textile composites offer great potential in creating light-weight damage-tolerant structures. However, their uptake in the high value manufacturing sector has been inhibited by lack of adequate design and material performance data.

The 3D imaging processes used by the group have provided real-time data of how carbon fibre composite tubes perform under structural loading, which provides a blueprint for maximising efficiency of materials used across industry.

This could enable engineers to design braided textile composites with confidence for applications ranging from aerospace and automotive drive shafts, to sporting equipment such as hockey sticks.

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