3D carbon preforms for net-shape-out-of-autoclave manufacturing of aerospace composite parts

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Polymer-matrix composite materials (PMCs) are characterised by high strength, high stiffness and low mass. These properties make PMCs ideal for airframe construction as mass reduction has a measurable impact on operating costs. Aerospace PMCs are fabricated materials based on carbon fibres: in lower-cost, out-of-autoclave processes these fibres are woven, braided or stitched into fabrics and infused with curable resins such as epoxy. PMCs have been used for making simple, thin, '2D' airframe components for decades. As further weight reductions are sought PMCs are increasingly considered for complex airframe parts. Advances in PMC and textile technologies are needed for reliable, efficient and economical production of PMC parts with complex 3D shapes, thick sections and high fibre content, to predictable performance specifications.