Dry Textile Forming Simulations: A Benchmarking Exercise

In this study, four representative finite element (FE) based modelling techniques and an analytical solution for the prediction of 2D woven fabrics’ deformation during forming are compared back-to-back. Ordered from high to low fidelity they are: 1/a Multi-Filament (MF) method that sits between micro- meso-scale uses multiple beam chains represent each fibre yarn; 2/a 3D representation (3D-Shell method) structural shell elements model 3/a continuum approach coincident membrane with user defined material properties capture response textiles in homogenised sense at macro-scale; 4/pin-jointed net (PJN) models where reinforcement directions represented by extendable 1D elements, pin-jointed elements’ crossover points. These approaches systematically identical processes process parameters such as boundary conditions, weave architecture tooling geometries. For completeness highlight importance considering inter-yarn preform-to-tool interactions, a kinematic drape algorithm (based on geometrical mapping) is also considered. An attempt made visualise overall performance computational cost all simplified metrics.