Modeling mechanical properties of knitted fabric composites - Part I: Overview and geometric description

Abstract

Knitted fabric composites are being considered as attractive candidates for a number of engineering applications. An essential issue involved is to model and characterize their mechanical properties especially their load carrying capacity. In this regard, a systematic research program has been recently carried out by the present authors and their co-workers, making use of an efficient micromechanics theory, i.e., the Bridging Model. The composites studied were made from epoxy and elastomer matrices reinforced with plain, interlock, and Milano rib knit structures. Both single layer and multiplayer knitted fabric composites with different fabric lay-ups have been investigated. The composite properties under study include stiffness, strength, and whole rubber-elastic stress-strain curve. These investigations are reviewed and summarized in this series of papers. The present paper focuses on the overview and geometric description. Reports of detailed simulation procedures, experimental evidences, correlation between theoretical results and experiments, and parametric studies for various kinds of knitted fabric composites will be given in the subsequent papers.