Crack propagation in woven fabric

摘要

The occurrence of crack propagation in flexible fiber assemblies, specifically woven fabric, is studied. The speed of propagation of a strain wave down a constrained filament is analyzed. Expressions for the strain energy released as the crack propagates and the kinetic energy and shear energy of the retracting material are developed, and the physical significance and relationships between the various forms of energy are studied. The effects of fiber and yarn properties, fabric construction, and coating properties on fabric resistance to crack propagation are analyzed. The analysis developed shows that high‐modulus fibers woven into fabrics with shear stiffness, e.g., long float weaves, can support the greatest applied load without propagating a crack. In the case of coated fabric, a coating with a low modulus at high shear rates applied in a manner whereby it does not penetrate the fabric structure gives the best performance. However, the most promising method for preventing the propagation of crack in coated as well as uncoated fabric is to use fabric with bundles of large yarns woven periodically in both the warp and filling directions.