Structural design engineering of woven fabric by soft computing: part I - plain weave

An attempt has been made to optimise the engineering attributes of a plain weave fabric according to certain requirements. A simplified algorithm was used to solve fabric geometrical model equations, and relationships were obtained between useful fabric parameters such as thread spacing and crimp, fabric cover and crimp, warp and weft cover. Such relationships help in guiding the direction for moderating fabric parameters. The full potential of the Peirce fabric geometrical model for plain weave has been exploited by soft computing. The interrelationships between different fabric parameters for jammed structures, non-jammed structures and special cases in which the cross-threads are straight were obtained using a suitable algorithm. It is hoped that the fabric designer will benefit from the flexibility in choosing fabric parameters for achieving any end use with the desired fabric properties.