Finite Element Simulation of a Yarn Pullout Test for Plain Woven Fabrics

Abstract

In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) model of a yarn pullout test for plain woven fabrics is introduced. The main focus of the study is on the realization of a 3D fabric geometrical model, the incorporation of anisotropic material properties and the validation of yarn and fabric finite element meso-models using experimental results. The material properties of yarn and fabric were assumed to be linear orthotropic. The required engineering constants were obtained from experimentally-measured tensile, compression and shear diagrams. The accuracy of the applied engineering constants was investigated by finite element (FE) modeling of yarn pure bending. The yarn pullout test was modeled with the Abaqus FE package. The fabric sample was modeled with solid elements for the weft and warp yarns in the interlacing points, which are directly involved in the yarn pullout, plus shell elements for the parts of the fabric that undergo only shear deformation. The effects of the geometrical model and material anisotropy were investigated and the predicted force—displacement profiles of the yarn pullout test were compared with experimental measurements.