Analysis of shearing properties of woven fabrics based on bias extension

Shear property is one of important properties that determine drapability and formability of fabrics. So many shearing meters have been developed for fabric shearing behaviour; it is necessary to develop a shearing measurement for fabrics. Different works have reported that bias extension has a good relationship with a pure/simple shearing property. Therefore, the characterization system of the handle properties of fabrics and yarns (CHS-FY) has been developed and is analysed to know whether the CHS-FY system is capable of characterizing shearing properties. The definite measurement principles and operating processes of shearing of the CHS-FY system have been described. Through stretching the samples cut at a random angle to the thread direction under the bias tensile testing, the curve of bias tensile force and extension was calculated. The shearing modeling for plain-woven fabrics was also made, and the curve of shear stress and shear strain was obtained. Comparison of shearing rigidity between theoretical and experimental results shows that there exists high accuracy, and the shearing modeling has high applicability and is very helpful in investigating shearing behaviour, which indicates that the CHS-FY system is effective and precise in measuring and characterizing the shearing properties of fabrics.