Effect of textile geometry on axisymmetric stretch forming of knitted fabric composites

Plain weft-knitted fabrics are known for their excellent quality to stretch and drape around a convex surface without wrinkling. In recent years, shee t forming of knitted fabric composites has been investigated in view of pro mising future applications. In this paper a prediction of attainable shell height is proposed with reference to the textile geometry and the tool prof ile. Comparison between the measured and predicted shell heights shows reas onable agreement. The present analysis should provide a guideline for manuf acturers in selecting the appropriate textile geometry for satisfactory str etch forming operations of knitted fabric composites.