A mathematical model for objective hand evaluation of automotive seat fabrics

A mathematical model for objective evaluation of hand value of car seat fabrics was developed using a step-wise block regression method. The subjective assessment of fabrics was conducted by a panel of judges to identify the primary hand attributes and the related mechanical parameters playing an important role in the fabric hand evaluation. The primary attributes selected by judges were conformability, smoothness, softness and stretchability. The coefficient of concordance was determined to find out the agreement among the judges. From consumer point of view, conformability got the highest weightage in the survey. There is an excellent correlation between the subjective and objective primary hand values. The correlation between the subjective and the objective total hand values found to be very high (R > 0.9) both with and without stretchability parameter.

Automated summary

A mathematical model was developed to objectively evaluate the hand value of car seat fabrics. The model was based on the subjective assessment of fabrics by a panel of judges and identified the primary hand attributes and related mechanical parameters. The study found a strong correlation between subjective and objective hand values.