Abstract: In order to realize the high-quality forming of three-dimensional composite materials, the deformation characteristics of the guide array in the forming process of flexible guiding three-dimensional multi-weaving of composite materials are studied by the center distance of the edge guide bars of the guide array. The variation of the center distance of the guide array of different height is obtained by using the image processing method. A compacted deformation model of the guide bar with micro-deformation was established. The forming accuracy and internal quality of the preform are analyzed to inquiry the influence of the deformation of the guided array on the forming quality of the preform. It is found that the preform formed by the flexible guide three-dimensional multiweaving forming process has good dimensional accuracy and internal structure uniformity. The center distance of the guide array shows Gauss distribution. The main reason of the deformation of the guide array is the deformation of the guide bar which intensifies during the weaving process. When selecting and arranging the guide bar, the guide bars with the initial deformation of less than 1.4mm and the ratio of the width of the deformation area to the height of the deformation area from the base plate bigger than 0.845 should be selected. The chosen guide bars were beneficial to the deformation reducing of the guide array and avoid the possibility of further deformation of the guide bar during the forming process.

Key words: 3D woven, preform, guide array, forming precision