FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF PLAIN WEAVE FABRIC FROM AN UN-WOVEN INITIAL YARN CONFIGURATION

A technique for modeling the tensile behavior and initial shape forming (weaving) process is presented in this paper. This technique uses FEA methods to model straight yarns as they are woven around each other. Tensile forces may be applied in subsequent load steps to predict the mechanics and strength of the fabric. This approach features innovative boundary conditions taking advantage of multiple levels of symmetry, thus allowing the model to be run using standard, unmodified FEA packages. As the model simulates the forming/weaving process it only requires data about the geometry and material properties of the yarns. This allows for fast characterization of hypothetical fabrics with no need for physical experimentation.