Translation of Fibers and Yarns into Flexible Structures

Abstract

The translation of fibers into 'yarns and these into flexible woven forms has been undertaken, using a number of new and unique organic and inorganic fibers. The stranding and twisting of 0.0005-in.-diameter superalloy filaments has resulted in 'yarn. structures with superior flexibility and strength. The woven fabric of these yarns has 2 to 4 times more strength and 20 to 100 times greater fold endurance than fabrics woven of monofilament wires. The weaving of Beta-diameter fibers of E-glass compo sition into narrow webbings intended for decelerators has shown that the higher strength retention achieved after pressure and temperature is a function of its finer diameter, even when compared to fibers of S-glass composition. Investigation of the translation characteristics of high-temperature polymeric yarns has been conducted, utiliiing Nomex¹ nylon. The high tninslation efficiencies obtained in weaving this yarn can be attributed to the unique stress-strain hehavior. The comparatively flat shape of the stress-strain curve in the post-yield region explains why little effect of geometry on the fabric strength is visible.