Composite preforming defects: a review and a classification

Advancing in the process of extending the use of composites for structural parts applications, it is inevitable to work on complex shapes. That is the main reason why understanding the complex forming mechanisms and the factors put into play during the process of composite materials is a major interest for both pre-impregnated forming and dry fabric preforming. Thus, the appearance of defects is a major concern and predicting their appearance for optimal product quality is the priority. A great number of authors showed that defects degrade the overall performance of the composite by creating local heterogeneities. Many factors can initiate these defects. This article is an assembly of the development of the literature on this subject. It is an attempt to provide a description for each defect and a classification order following the scale, the behavior mechanisms, the appearance plan. This will help to converge toward an identification of the defects manifesting during the composite forming.