Fiber Orientation in Carbon Fiber Axial Fabrics: Definitions and Structures of Unidirectional, Biaxial, Triaxial, and Multiaxial Types
A brief introdcution to carbon fiber axial fabric.
Fiber Orientation in Carbon Fiber Axial Fabrics: Definitions and Structures of Unidirectional, Biaxial, Triaxial, and Multiaxial Types
Carbon fiber multiaxial fabric is a textile created by stitching together and securing multiple layers of carbon fiber yarns with varying orientations using warp-knitting technology. The fibers in each layer are arranged in parallel without crimp, thereby allowing the carbon fiber to fully realize its mechanical properties.
Definition of Fiber Orientation
0°:The longitudinal direction of the fabric (warp direction); the primary load-bearing direction.
90°: The transverse direction of the fabric (weft direction); perpendicular to the 0° direction.
±45°: Oriented at a 45° angle relative to the 0° direction; designed to withstand shear stress.
Structures and Characteristics of Four Types of Multiaxial Fabrics
Uniaxial Fabric: All fibers are aligned in a single direction (typically 0°).
Structure:
Consists of one primary fiber layer (accounting for over 90% of the content) and a small amount of stabilizing fibers or merely stitching threads.
Characteristics:
Exhibits extremely high strength in the 0° direction but is very weak in the perpendicular direction; possesses poor drapability (ability to conform to complex shapes).
Applications:
Bicycle frames, main spars for wind turbine blades, fishing rods, golf club shafts.
Biaxial Fabric: Consists of two fiber layers; common combinations include 0°/90° or ±45°.
Structure:
Two layers arranged in parallel, connected by stitching threads between the layers.
Characteristics:
0°/90°: Provides bidirectional load-bearing capability; suitable for use in flat panels and shell structures.
±45°: Offers strong shear resistance; suitable for tubular components and applications involving torsional loads.
Applications: Yacht hulls, aircraft skins, pressure vessels, bicycle joints.
Triaxial Fabric: Consists of three fiber layers; a common combination is 0°/+45°/-45°.
Structure:
Three layers laid down at specific angles and secured by stitching threads.
Characteristics:
Combines both axial load-bearing capacity and shear resistance; possesses good drapability.
Applications:
Aerospace structural components, F1 racing car monocoques, wind turbine blade roots.
Multiaxial Fabric: Consists of four or more fiber layers; common orientations include 0°/90°/+45°/-45°.
Structure:
Multiple fiber layers laid down according to specific design angles; the total areal weight can range from 600 to 2000 g/m².
Characteristics:
Provides multi-directional load-bearing capability within the plane of the fabric; can be custom-designed to meet specific requirements; possesses moderate drapability.
Applications:
Primary load-bearing structures in aerospace, full-thickness reinforcement for wind turbine blades, large-scale marine vessels.
Key Selection Points
Loading Requirements | Recommended Type |
Predominant Unidirectional Loading (Beams, Rods) | Unidirectional Fabric |
Bidirectional Loading (Plates, Shells) | Biaxial Fabric (0°/90°) |
Torque Resistance (Shafts, Tubes) | Biaxial Fabric (±45°) |
Complex Multidirectional Loading | Triaxial or Multiaxial Fabric |
The Difference Between Axial Fabric and Woven Fabric
Comparison | Axial Fabric | Woven Fabric |
Fiber State | Straight, non-crimped | Crimped (at crossover points) |
Strength Utilization | 90%-95% | 60%-80% |
Design Flexibility | Customizable layer angles and areal weights | Constrained by weaving process |
Primary Applications | High-performance structural components | General-purpose composites, aesthetic parts |
Summary
Unidirectional, biaxial, triaxial, and multiaxial fabrics offer precisely tailored solutions to meet diverse structural load requirements. Fundamentally, the selection process involves translating structural stress patterns into specific combinations of fiber orientations, thereby achieving a precise alignment between material properties and actual loading conditions. We are a carbon fiber material manufacturer based in China; for further information, please contact us via email at annayu@169chem.net or via WhatsApp at +8618909016373.