An analysis of the bending rigidity of warp-knitted fabrics: a comparison of experimental results to a mechanical model

This study focuses on the bending rigidity of warp-knitted fabrics as a function of knit structure (underlaps length), density (wale and course spacing) and yarn bending properties. Seven standard warp-knitted fabrics are produced with three different densities (Tricot, Locknit, three and four needles Satin, Reveres Locknit, three and four needles Sharkskin). The bending rigidity of the fabrics is measured using a Kawabata evaluation system and an automatic cyclic bending tester. Results show that the bending rigidity increases for the fabrics with a higher density and underlaps length of the front and back guide bars. In addition, a new mechanical model for the bending behaviour of warp-knitted fabrics using an energy method is presented. In this model, the knitted loop structure is assumed to consist of a series of straight and skew yarns simulating legs and underlaps while considering a rigid region lying in the direction of bending. Experimental results show that there is a reasonable agreement between the calculated and measured values for both wale and course directions.