Method and apparatus for Z-direction fiber insertion of discrete fibers for reinforcement of composite laminates
A method and apparatus for Z-direction reinforcement of composite laminates is disclosed. Discrete fibers ( 25 ) are pulled through a fiber composite preform ( 11 ) in the Z-direction by needles ( 27 ) having bars ( 29 ) thereon to insert the Z-direction reinforcement ( 31 ) into the composite preform ( 11 ) from a discrete fiber mat ( 23 ) having discrete fibers ( 25 ) therein.
1. A method of bonding at least two composite preforms together comprising the steps of:
providing at least two composite preforms, each composite preform having composite fibers extending generally in an X-Y plane;
inserting discrete fibers through each preform generally in a Z direction, so as to form exposed Z-direction fibers and loops protruding outward from each preform;
overlapping the exposed Z-direction fibers and loops from one preform with the exposed Z-direction fibers and loops from another preform;
infusing a resin material through each preform and the overlapped Z-direction fibers and loops;
co-curing the preforms, thereby bonding the preforms together.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the discrete fibers are fiberglass.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the fiberglass discrete fibers are S-glass discrete fibers.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the discrete fibers are graphite.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the discrete fibers are polymers.