Tear propagation model of woven fabrics

Abstract

A general method of modeling the strain dynamics in woven textiles under various degrees of stretching is demonstrated. The weaving pattern of a textile segment is represented as a network of masses and springs in a two dimensional square lattice. By analyzing the power spectrum of the lattice vibrations, the tearing propagation of the fabric is revealed to be significantly fast within the exclusive range of 0.16 ≤ F_ext/(κL₀) ≤ 0.44, where κ is the spring constant and L₀ is the rest length of the springs. Phase transition is exhibited at the limits of this range, whose criticality suggests the onset of tearing avalanche.