Prediction of functional characteristics of interlock and rib knitted fabrics by the use of 3D computational modelling and analysis

In this work, a computational model of interlock and rib knitted structures is developed to predict the air permeability and thermal properties of the fabric. Repeatable unit cells of interlock and rib structures are developed in COMSOL Multiphysics? software by using actual fabric parameters, extracted with the help of an image analysis technique. The obtained modeling results are then compared with the actual experimental values for the fabric. Furthermore, the validated computational model is utilized to analyze the effect of stitch length and fabric thickness on the thermal properties and air permeability of the fabric. It is found that stitch length has a direct relation with air permeability and an inverse relation with effective thermal conductivity. The fabric thickness influences directly the effective thermal conductivity and has an inverse relation with air permeability of the fabric.