Modeling of complex fabric structures by methods of computer simulation

Fabric quality, which may be defined as the satisfaction obtainable from required performance properties manifesting themselves in fabric usage, is a consequence of its physical structure. It is imperative that this structure shoud be stable during a resonable life of the fabric. Principles of design to define fabric structure satisfying these needs are quite well known and computer aided fabric design applications are widespread. In the case of design of fabrics of complex structure, however, there arise many problems and the current computer aided design software may not be adequate to cope with them. In this paper some important problems encountered in the design of simple and complex fabric structures are discussed in general, based on relevant literature. Three examples are given how they may be solved mathematically in a suitable way for computer applications to obtain computer simulations of complex fabric structures such as double woven fabrics, woven carpets and rib knit fabrics.