Determination of the Bending Modulus for Fabrics Using Simply Supported Beam Systems

Abstract

A fabric can be modeled as an elastic beam supported by simple supports subjected to its own weight. The maximum deflection in the middle can be measured accurately. Different types of fabrics are tested and the bending modulus of the fabrics is then calculated in both small and large deflection cases. In the case of large deflection, the finite element method is used to solve the governing differential equation. The difference between the values of the bending modulus obtained from the small and large deflection cases increases as the length of the bent fabric is increased. The reason is less accuracy of the small deflection equations in longer lengths of the beam. However, the results reveal that even in the longest length of the tested beam (fabric), the differences between the values of the bending modulus from small and large deflection cases are in an acceptable range. It can be concluded that the case of the small deflection can be used to calculate the bending modulus of the fabrics in a simply supported beam method with an acceptable accuracy.

Citation

Ghane, M., Ghahraman, T., Sheikhzadeh, M. and Halabian, A.M. (2011), "Determination of the Bending Modulus for Fabrics Using Simply Supported Beam Systems", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 131-138. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-15-03-2011-B015