Patent ID: 8918970

Claim:
A method of forming a fabric preform for a composite component from a tri-axial fabric having a plurality of hoop tows and a plurality of bi-axial tows, the method comprising: cutting the hoop tows to define hoop tow segments wherein a length of each cut corresponds to a hoop tow width; receiving one end of the tri-axial fabric on a form such that the hoop tows of the tri-axial fabric extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a central axis of the form; wrapping the tri-axial fabric around the form by rotating the tri-axial fabric and the form relative to one another about the central axis of the form; and separating at least some of the hoop tows into hoop tow segments while the tri-axial fabric is under a tension to enable a space to develop between ends of adjacent hoop tow segments along the length of the hoop tow; wherein separating at least some of the hoop tows into hoop tow segments to enable spaces to develop between adjacent hoop tow segments accommodates increased deformation of the tri-axial fabric during formation of the fabric preform while maintaining a presence of hoop tow segments in at least portions of the tri-axial fabric.