The aim of the project is to establish an introductory undergraduate laboratory with a modern three-dimensional fiber braiding machine for manufacturing, testing and applications of high performance textile materials and structures for composites. This project will foster a proposed cooperative educational experience between Textile Engineering and Materials Engineering at Auburn University. The specific educational objective is an introductory knowledge of composites for the manufacturing and application of various flexible structures in composites. Besides its regular use as an undergraduate teaching laboratory, the proposed equipment will provide excellent opportunity for undergraduate students in their senior design projects and independent studies. This project will help to produce graduates with knowledge of the latest thrust in fibrous materials for industrial applications. This project will integrate textile engineering, textile chemistry and materials/mechanical engineering. It will expand the range of textile applications in high performance materials mark will take the students beyond the borders of traditional textiles and introduce them to new manufacturing methods and applications of textiles where high performance is a requirement. It will introduce students to new, innovative textile structures for composites. The proposed braiding machine will be used to manufacture advanced textile structures for composites. The purpose is to produce a range of high quality braided textile structures to be used as composites in high performance applications for the automotive, aerospace and construction industries. This project will strengthen the University's interaction with industry.
