Abstract: A weave pattern and method for weaving that provides stability to high performance fabrics, such as fabrics used for life protection and composite use, is provided. An additional set of yarn may be added in the warp direction, such that there are two sets of warp yarns per fill yarn alternating throughout the structure of the fabric. This second set of warp yarn locks the fill yarns in place, subsequently interlocking and stabilizing the fabric pattern. This stabilization increases tensile strength, tightness, stiffness, and also improves the handling and cutting of the fabric by resulting in decreased fraying and fiber loss during product construction. Also, the fabric maintains proper shape and form due to the 90 degree interlacing of warp and fill yarns. In this way, the fabric may have the enhanced performance characteristics of a looser weave in combination with the enhanced handleability of a tighter weave.

Abstract: A weave pattern and method for weaving that provides stability to high performance fabrics, such as fabrics used for life protection and composite use, is provided. An additional set of yarn may be added in the warp direction, such that there are two sets of warp yarns per fill yarn alternating throughout the structure of the fabric. This second set of warp yarn locks the fill yarns in place, subsequently interlocking and stabilizing the fabric pattern. This stabilization increases tensile strength, tightness, stiffness, and also improves the handling and cutting of the fabric by resulting in decreased fraying and fiber loss during product construction. Also, the fabric maintains proper shape and form due to the 90 degree interlacing of warp and fill yarns. In this way, the fabric may have the enhanced performance characteristics of a looser weave in combination with the enhanced handleability of a tighter weave.

Abstract: A method and machine for high speed formation of a three-dimensional woven fiber structure having at least two warp yarn systems having approximately zero crimp and at least three filling yarns having approximately zero crimp, wherein the warp and filling yarns are non-interlacing with each other, and are secured as an integral fabric via at least one vertical or Z yarn system and the warp yarn systems provided to be positioned via harness frames. The 3-D woven fabric of the present invention is fabricated on a 3-D weaving machine having rapier filling insertion that provides filling yarn insertions in unique shed openings in series to produce a complete filling insertion cycle for every movement of Z-direction yarn harnesses.