3D simulation of warp knitted boa for visual and quicker design

Abstract

Recent stitch-based simulation methods permit effective and realistic simulation for the planar structure of warp-knitted fabrics. However, simulating the warp-knitted fully formed jacquard fabric with a specific shape remains a challenge. Characteristics of diversity and complexity of this kind of fabric greatly raise the simulation difficulty. We propose a new modeling and simulation method based on the mesh model with complex shapes. We start from the analysis of the double needle bed warp-knitting technique, and establish a three-dimensional fabric mesh model, producing a finer stitch placement on a double needle bed knitted structure. Due to the deformation date derived from the jacquard pattern, stitches are placed at the actual locations. The used stitches forming the fully formed products are rendered according to the jacquard pattern. Using the two-dimensional plates and corresponding three-dimensional objects as input models to define the shape of the warp-knitted products, stitches are transferred from two to three-dimensional model objects by spatial mapping. The interface of our modeling system allows for designing complex jacquard patterns and selecting specific models for warp-knitted products. The method we propose leads to a visible design process with results visualization, which is convenient for designers to modify the knitting parameters covering knitting information and jacquard pattern before the product is knitted. The simulation method can be applied to the rapid design of the warp-knitted boa, which can reduce duplicate sampling, shorten the design process, and save raw material costs. Further research will be carried out in the future to improve this simulation method.