Methods for analysing coated plain-weave fabric which has properties of nonlinear elasticity have not yet been satisfactorily developed. In this paper, a method which is promising for use in engineering applications like the strength analysis of membrane structures is presented. The finite element method using a rectangular element consisting of plain-weave fabric and coating material which is assumed to be an isotropic elastic plate of plane stress is applied to the method. Verification of the method is made by using uniaxial stress-strain responses. A square piece of coated plain-weave fabric with a square hole in it is analyzed as an example of application of the present method.
SebringR. E.SchoppeeM. M.FreestonW. D.Jr., “Test Report: Biaxial Tensile Tests of Coated Fabrics,” Technical Report 69–75-GP, Fabric Research Laboratories, Dedham, Mass., May 1969.
2.
FreestonW. D.Jr.PlattM. M.SchoppeeM. M., “Stress-Strain Respo Fabrics Under Two-Dimensional Loading,” Technical Report A FML-TR-67–44, Air Force Materials Laboratory, Ohio, July 1967.
3.
TestaR. B.StubbsN.SpillersW. R., “Bilinear Model for Coated Square Fabrics,”Journal of The Engineering Mechanics Division, October 1978.
4.
MinamiH., “Deflection and Tension Property of Coated Fabrics Subjected to Lateral Pressure,” Preceedings of the First International Conference and Exhibition on Engineering Software, Southampton, Sept. 1979.
5.
MengesG.MeffertB.GeisbtlschP., “Spannungs-Deformations-und Versagensverhalten PVC-beschichteter Polyestergewebe under einachsiger und biaxialer Beanspruchung,” Int. Symp. Weitgespannte Flächentragwerlke, Stuttgart, 1976.
6.
KawabataS.NiwaM.KawaiH., J. of the Textile Institute, 64, 21 (1973).
