This paper focused on investigating impact factors and relationships of the aerodynamic frictional drag on the surface of flexible fabrics. Firstly, based on fluid dynamics, a preliminary model for aerodynamic frictional drag was defined as
, where P is pressure difference between both sides of the fabric, f is the air frictional drag coefficient, and v is wind speed. Wind tunnel testing was carried out on 27 groups of textile samples of varying fibers, blending ratios, and structures. Utilizing a Visual Basic program, the model was established as
, which was proven to be reliable by model fitting of experimental data by the least-squares theory. The air frictional drag coefficients of 27 samples were calculated accordingly. Finally, correlation analysis was made on the blending ratio, structure, and air frictional drag of nine groups of textile samples. As a result of this work, the blending ratio of fibers was found to be positively correlated with air frictional resistance on the surface of the fabric such that the higher the ratio of cotton fiber, the lower the air frictional resistance of the fabric, which was due to the fuzz irregularly distributed on the surface of the yarn that brought forward the transition point from laminar to turbulent flow. Meanwhile, the evaporation rate of the textile was also positively correlated with air frictional drag. The study could provide the basis for the development of low drag fabrics and sportswear, thus promoting athletes’ performance in competitions.
