Load-Deflection Analysis of Fibers with Three-Dimensional Crimp

Abstract

This paper formulates, in concise style, the differential equations and the boundary conditions describing the deformed shape of a three-dimensional crimped fiber subjected to end loads; a more complete analysis may be found in [1] and [3]. Bending and twisting effects are taken into account, but stretching of the axis and the deformation due to cross shear are neglected. An example, for which an exact solution is possible, is included and a simple experiment, providing limited experimental confirmation, is reported.