The Biaxial Load-Extension Properties of Plain, Weft-Knitted Fabrics— A Theoretical Analysis

In this analysis the extension of a plain weft-knitted fabric, when subjected to biaxial loading, is investigated theoreti cally. The straightening of the coursewise and walewise elements of a half loop in the structure (which is the unit cell chosen) is considered, as is the slippage between loops. Various states of deformation of the fabric are considered, in particular the relaxed state, the fully straightened state, the no-slip state, and the jammed state. A typical family of load- extension curves for a particular fabric is presented.