Woven composite reinforcements generally fall into what two categories?

Woven composite reinforcements are primarily categorized into two types: cloth and woven roving. Cloth refers to the various types of fabric made from fibers that have been woven together, forming a flexible and moldable material used in composites. These cloths can be made from different fiber types, like fiberglass, carbon, or aramid, and can come in various weights and weaves, providing a range of mechanical properties depending on the application.

Woven roving, on the other hand, consists of a series of parallel yarns that are typically heavier and thicker than standard woven cloth. Woven roving is designed for strength and can provide significantly higher tensile and impact strength in composite structures. It is often used in applications that require durability, such as in marine or automotive components.

This distinction is essential for understanding how different weaving techniques and fiber types can affect the performance characteristics of composite materials. Understanding these categories helps in selecting the appropriate reinforcement for a specific application, ensuring the composite structure meets required strength and flexibility criteria.