Analysis of Compressional Deformation of Woven Fabric Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

A computer model for analyzing the compressional behavior of a woven fabric has been developed using Finite Element Method (FEM). A three-dimensional unit cell has been defined to describe the compressional deformation behavior of a woven fabric in the three-dimensional viewpoint. The geometry of the unit cell is determined using the equilibrium requirements of planar-elastica-boundary value problems. The contact condition at the yarn cross over point is determined by the equilibrium equations. The model has been verified with the experimental measurements of wool and nylon woven fabrics. The result shows that the compressional resistance of fabric is influenced by the geometrical structure of the fabric unit cell as well as the yarn property. Also, the compressional resistance of woven fabric increases with the Poisson's ratio of the yarn.