Variability
A bespoke software, VariFab, developed at the University of Glasgow, allows realistic prediction of the varibility often seen in biaxial fabrics and prepregs. Output from VariFab can either be incorporated into forming simulations or directly mapped to predict the variability of the structural properties of flat panels due to 'tow meander' [1-2].
[1] Abdiwi, F., Harrison, P. , Koyama, I., Yu, W.R., Long, A.C., Corriea, N. and Guo, Z. (2012)Characterising and modelling variability of tow orientation in engineering fabrics and textile composites. Composites Science and Technology, 72(9), pp. 1034-1041. (doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2012.03.017)
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[2] Abdiwi, F., Harrison, P. and Yu, W.-R. (2013) Effect of tow meander on the shear compliance of woven engineering fabrics measured using the biaxial bias extension test. Key Engineering Materials, 554, pp. 402-409. (doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.554-557.402)
