Simulation of Temperature Distribution Within Weft-Knitted Fabrics in Extended State

The aim of this study was simulating the temperature distribution in course-wise extended weft-knitted fabrics by considering different extension levels. Accordingly, three types of weft-knitted fabrics structured in plain single jersey, plain rib, and interlock patterns were prepared using an electronic flat knitting machine. The fabrics were then exposed in a course-wise manner to three different extension levels (0%, 15%, and 30%) from which their heat transfer features at an extended state could be measured, by using the hot plate instrument and an infrared thermal camera. For the theoretical evaluation of temperature distribution, the fabrics' corresponding geometrical unit cells were established in a finite element software environment. There was an acceptable agreement between the experimental and modeling results. It was also shown that applying different extension levels could significantly affect the knitted fabrics' temperature distribution.