The use of pressure-actuated cellular structures (PACS) is an effective approach for the application of compliant mechanisms. Analogous to the model in nature, the Venus flytrap, they are made of discrete pressure-activated rows and can be deformed with high stiffness at a high deformation rate. In previous work, a new innovative approach in their integral textile-based manufacturing has been demonstrated based on the weaving technique. In this work, the theoretical and experimental work on the further development of PACS from simple single-row to double-row PACS with antagonistic deformation capability is presented. Supported by experimental investigations, the necessary adaptations in the design of the textile preform and the polymer composite design are presented and concretized. Based on the results of pre-simulations of the deformation capacity of the new PACS, their performance was evaluated, the results of which are presented.

Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet the availability of durable, patient-specific heart valve replacements is still limited. The aim is to utilize a biomimetic, textile-based design to mimic natural tissues, thereby creating customizable solutions with improved mechanical properties and scalable production for cardiovascular applications. By leveraging advanced 3D weaving techniques, the feasibility of manufacturing anatomically adaptable and mechanically robust textile valves is demonstrated. CAD-based design workflows and functional materials such as shape memory Nitinol wires are part of this technology. The integration of form-defining geometries, multilayer structures and functional surface treatments is enabled through tailored binding design and machine adaptations. A textile-based heart valve implant was developed using advanced 3D weaving, CAD modelling and patient-specific imaging. Integrated leaflets and an annular ring were formed directly during weaving using mold inserts and multilayer structures, eliminating post-processing. Polyester and Nitinol materials provided mechanical stability and shape-memory functionality. Simulation models and SPH analysis validated pressure behaviour and deformation under physiological conditions. Functional zones with tailored stiffness, sealing and mobility were realized through binding variation and Jacquard control. A reproducible digital workflow, from CT segmentation to weaving on modified looms, enabled scalable production of anatomically accurate, functionally optimized heart valve prostheses. Mechanical evaluations reveal favourable performance in comparison to conventional valve designs. These findings highlight the potential of fiber and textile technology as a scalable, customizable clinically relevant platform for heart valve tissue engineering and future biomedical applications.

Lightweight panels are of high relevance for various applications, such as automotive, aerospace, civil engineering, and achieve high stiffnesses and strengths at low self-weight. The sandwich principle is commonly used to manufacture the panels, although conventional materials and reinforcement structures often limit the design and application of the panels in a wide range of possible applications. The reason for this is that lightweight panels fail either under combined compressive/shear loading or as a result of delamination of the individual layers. In this article, novel fabric structures are presented as a basis for the fabrication of lightweight panels that effectively overcome these deficiencies. These fabrics have a spatial truss-like structure, with the core and top layer being connected by continuously running reinforcing fibers. This results in high panel stability and high delamination resistance, which are evaluated in this article using mechanical tests in compression, flexure and combined tension-shear. The results are related to sample panels with conventional honeycomb core as reference. The high potential and excellent delamination resistance of the new fabric-based lightweight panels is shown in the result of the tests.

Direct preforming processes have potential for fiber-reinforced semi-finished products, creating 3D structures with strong delamination resistance using double-flat-steel-healds. However, the shedding method limits pattern variety, necessitating alternative options for interlacing diversity. One approach is using weft yarn instead of warp yarn for interlacing. This study explores its impact on mechanical properties, focusing on bending behavior, fiber volume content, and micrograph analysis of infiltrated warp and weft interlaced structures. The result shows interesting differences in mechanical behavior regarding different weave types and test direction as well as communalities within the individual structures.