Experimental investigation on the stab resistance of warp knitted fabrics

The stab resistance of two guide bar warp knitted fabric made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene was characterised by a maximum load, and energy at the maximum load and load versus displacement curves under quasi-static test conditions are presented. Penetration angles and side were designed. Samples with different lapping, densities and layers were tested, with a woven fabric used as the original reference. The results showed that warp knitted fabric with a moderate density and longer underlaps on the front guide bar performed better. The penetration angle and side have no observable influence on warp knitted fabrics' stab resistance. Furthermore the performance of warp knitted fabrics during a knife penetration shows the difference from woven fabric in the damage process.