3D Woven Preforms and Composites: Current Developments, Material Properties, and Application Potential

ABSTRACT Three‐dimensional (3D) woven preforms exhibit high interlaminar shear strength, strong mechanical performance, and exceptional formability, and have become one of the most promising fiber‐reinforced architectures in composites. This paper reviews classification, design, geometric modeling, and recent advances in weaving technology for 3D woven preforms. It also addresses challenges, trends, material properties of the resulting composites, and application potential. Particular structural paradigms are examined, highlighting the evolution of design and manufacturing equipment. A thorough analysis evaluates the current research landscape on preform performance, discusses the advantages of 3D woven preforms and their composites (3DWPCs) in applications, and outlines future development trajectories.