Analysis of the Single Bar Warp Knitted Structure Using an Energy Minimization Technique

Abstract

The application of an energy minimization technique is described which computes the equilibrium shape and interyarn forces of the single bar warp knitted fabric structures. The boundary conditions required for the solution of the single bar warp knitted fabric structures are derived. The method by which these boundary conditions can be enforced within the energy minimization technique is indicated. Because of the increased complexity of the single bar warp knitted structures, two features were incorporated into the technique. First, to assist convergence in the initial stages of minimization, the bending energy of the yarns was neglected, simplifying the minimization technique. Second, an algorithm was introduced to determine the state of interlocking between any two neighboring yarn loops. This algorithm permitted quick checks of whether the loop shape at any iteration had the correct interlacing characteristics.