Abstract
This paper details an effort to study the principle and the investigate feasibility of measuring dynamic thickness of fabric under tension based on a comprehensive handle evaluation system for fabrics and yarns (CHES-FY), which was developed to evaluate multiple mechanical properties of fabrics and yarns by a pull-out test. The initial thickness measured by CHES-FY system was compared with that by KES-FB system. Relationships between thickness strain and axial strain of fabrics were obtained from experimental and theoretical results so as to reveal out-of-plane Poisson's ratio. Effect of the horizontal distance between bi-U-shaped pins and the pulling pin on thickness is discussed. It is demonstrated that CHES-FY system can measure the dynamic thickness of fabric and characterize the out-of-plane Poisson's ratio effectively. The CHES-FY system would be helpful in analyzing thickness changes in the weaving and winding process when fabric is subjected to mechanical actions.