Simulation of the forming processes of thin composite structures is necessary at the design level because it allows to check the feasibility of the shape and to know the position of the reinforcements. For the first stage of the R.T.M. process a finite element analyse of fabric shaping is developed. It needs the knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of the woven reinforcement. A geometrically consistent behaviour model is proposed. It is based on experimental results achieved by biaxial tensile tests. Usually the simulation methods based on geometrical approach are used for fabric draping, but they do not account for the material properties of the fabric and effect of loads on the tools. In this goal, the finite element approach described here is based on a mechanical formulation which is representing physics behaviour of the fabrics. Some examples of fabric forming simulation are presented. They show the importance of fabric mechanical behaviour and of the static boundary conditions on the final shape.

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