Page 159 - 3D Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites

148 30 Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites

properties. In the more advanced, computer controlled machines this is less of an issue
as the equipment is capable of controlling the loop parameters to a far greater degree.
These variations of the knit architecture can cause a broad spectrum in the
mechanical performance of knitted composites and thus make it difficult to adequately
compare these properties with those of other reinforcement styles. In spite of this
difficulty, work has been undertaken by a number of groups, primarily since the late
1980’s, to investigate and understand the performance of composites reinforced by
knitted fabrics. A useful review of the area of knitted composites is given by Leong et
al. (2000).

Figure 7.1 Illustration of the 3D nature of typical knitted fabric a) top edge view, b)
plane view