An improved analysis of bagging of textile fabrics. Part I: theoretical

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to analyse the stress distribution in a circular flexible sheet. Part I provides a theoretical approach to the analysis of the bagging deformation in textile fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation includes analysing the stress distribution in a circular flexible sheet clamped around its circumference under an externally applied force by a spherical object. Movement of the material normal to its original plane is then related to the external force and the elastic properties of the sheet, i.e. the elastic modulus and the Poisson's ratio. The effects of the size of the force‐applying object, relative to the sample radius, are also investigated.

Findings

The relationship between the applied force on the centre of a flexible sheet material by a spherical object and the sag of the sheet was derived. Poisson's ratio has an important role on the mechanism of deformation, restricting the extension of the sheet when it is high and intensifying the discontinuity of the strain at the interface.

Research limitations/implications

The work could be expanded to industrial fabrics and to composite materials.

Practical implications

The two papers provide a first step in an attempt for a better understanding of the stresses involved in bagging of a linear elastic sheet. They provide the basis for the development of fabrics that can withstand bagging problems. This research may also put forward improved methods of measuring bagginess. Some of the theoretical work may be used to predict bagginess of fabrics based on properties.

Originality/value

The paper has two improvements on previous work: the inclusion of the effect of fabric Poisson ratio, and the suggestion of a better method of calculating the overall anisotropic properties.

Citation

Amirbayat, J. (2006), "An improved analysis of bagging of textile fabrics. Part I: theoretical", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 18 No. 5, pp. 303-307. https://doi.org/10.1108/09556220610685221