Model-based prediction of wrinkle growth in textile composite reinforcements – FoldPrediction

The project investigated how glass-fibre textile reinforcements behave during shaping into three-dimensional preforms and under which conditions folds or wrinkles form. Its aim was to understand and model the local structural and mechanical properties of the textiles so that the location, size, and geometry of folds can be predicted more reliably. To achieve this, the textile structure, friction, bending, and shear behaviour were characterised experimentally and linked to simulation-based models. This is relevant for practical applications because folds can significantly reduce the quality and mechanical performance of fibre-reinforced composite parts. The results support a more targeted design of draping processes, improved selection of textile structure and orientation, and the avoidance or controlled placement of problematic folds. In addition, the project developed a method for measuring and evaluating fold geometry in three-dimensional preforms.