Multiple Points of Rupture in Textile Fibers

Abstract

Strain-wave propagation is proposed as the mechanism which accounts for the occurrence of multiple tensile breaks in textile fibers. The breaks are uniformly dis tributed along the central portion of the test length, with a higher concentration existing at or near the boundaries (i.e., the tabs). The region of uniform distribution results from initial random breaks, while the high concentrations at the ends are due to strain- wave reflections. Recoverable energy stored in the fiber during extension is the driving force for wave propagation. The dependence of multiple breaks on testing length, rate of extension, temperature, medium, morphology, and tenacity at break is discussed.