Creep of Wool Fibers

Abstract

The molecular mechanical constant α which is directly related to flow hole volume is calculated for wool fibers exhibiting a range of stress-strain properties. It is found that the value of the stress developed at 30% strain ( S30) is invesely proportional to the value of α and that the product of α and S30 is constant. This relationship suggests that the differences observed between wool fibers in water are due to variations in the number of flow units per unit cross sectional area. These variations, in turn, offer an explanation of the large differences in creep behavior among wool fibers in water under constant stress.