Geometrical modelling of plain weft knitted fabrics

Abstract

The accuracy of the prevailing geometrical models of the plain weft knitted fabrics is estimated and a more precise model for the use in computational modelling produced. The new proposed model is based on the assumptions of the ideal elastic yarn and the elastic energy minimization of the yarns composing the relaxed fabrics. Thus, a repeated calculation process is used for the selection of the loop shape corresponding to the minimum loop length. The accuracy of the models is evaluated using the loop length as criterion. Based on the structural data of an extended set of samples, the loop length for every model is calculated. These values are compared to the respective experimentally measured ones. The accuracy of the new proposed model guarantees the success of the mechanical simulation of the knitted fabrics.