Investigation into a suitable Unit Cell for homogenized numerical simulation of weft knitted composites

The use of composites reinforced by weft knitted fabric is becoming more prevalent due to their suitable behavior under impact and their capability of producing complex 3D geometries. This paper investigates three different representative unit cells (RUC) used for homogenized numerical simulation of elastic properties of weft knitted reinforced composites. For this purpose, numerical simulations have been carried out using finite element method (Abaqus/CAE 2016 commercial package) on the meso scale by developing a python algorithm to create the geometry of various unit cells based on Leaf-Glaskin geometrical model. The elastic properties obtained from each simulation was then analyzed using the experimental data of tensile tests. The result shows that there is a significant differences between the meso scale simulations from different unit cells. The accuracy of predicted elastic module and the stress distribution of each unit cell is then analyzed. Finally it is concluded that the representative unit cell that presented the most comprehensive geometry of the fabric, regardless of the symmetry of the unit cell, provides the most accurate results for homogenized numerical simulation of the material properties of weft knitted composite.

Keywords:

Textile Composite , Weft knitted fabric , Finite Element Method , Homogenization Method