Abstract
An instrument is described for the measurement of shear in knitted fabrics under conditions of constant tension and “equal length of side.” Shear hysteresis loops were obtained for a series of wool plain-knitted fabrics of different tightness factors. Typical curves and fabric parameters (shear rigidity and coercive shear force) are presented for the fabrics tested in two states of relaxation using several values of applied tension. The results have been analyzed statistically and a simple friction-elastic rheological model of the shear behaviour is examined. This model is interpreted in terms of the knitted fabric structure and the changes that occur when a shear deformation is applied. Relaxation was found to reduce the values of both the shear rigidity and the coercive shear force. The effect of tension was investigated, and suitable levels of tension are recommended for testing knitted fabrics in shear.
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