Effects of Image Size and Variable Changes on the Cover Factor of Triaxial Braided Fabrics

In this study, we investigated how image size and other variables influence the cover factor of triaxial braided fabrics by both image processing and equation-based calculations.Two-dimensional scanned images were obtained from braided preforms, and their cover factors were measured using image analysis.As the image size increased, the standard deviation of the cover factor decreased.When the image length reached five times the unit length of the preforms, the standard deviation dropped below 1%, and the discrepancy between the equation-based results and their mean value was also less than 1%.In addition, the cover factor increased as the mandrel diameter decreased or the braided angle increased.Also, when the pattern of the triaxial braided preforms was changed from the deformed pattern to the basic pattern, the cover factor increased.