13—the Biaxial Load-Extension Behaviour of a Model of Plain Weft-Knitting—part I

An analysis is presented of a model of plain weft-knitting subjected to uniaxial loading in either direction and also to biaxial loading. For each case, calculated load–extension curves, which are given for a range of values of fabric tightness, illustrate biaxial fabric deformation. Each curve shows a marked dependence of fabric modulus on the prevailing jamming conditions. In particular, where jamming in the direction of the application of the load is present, the relaxed fabric behaves as a pre-stressed structure. Whereas uniaxial loading leads ultimately to a state of single jamming with near-constant moduli, biaxial loading may lead to a more complex situation, which is outlined in the paper.