Nonwovens modelling: a review of finite-element strategies

This paper reviews the main strategies used to simulate the mechanical behaviour of nonwoven materials that is defined by a structure of their fibrous networks and a mechanical behaviour of constituent fibres or filaments. The main parameters influencing the network structure of nonwoven materials are discussed in the first part. The second part deals with two main strategies employed in the analysis of mechanical behaviour of nonwoven materials using finite-element models based on continuous and discontinuous techniques. Both strategies have further subtypes, which are critically reviewed, and future trends in this area of research are discussed.