Investigation of the Mechanics and Performance of Woven Fabrics Using Objective Evaluation Techniques. Part I: The Relationship Between FAST, KES-F and Cusick's Drape-Meter Parameters

In this study, mechanical and performance analyses of woven fabrics were carried out using objective evaluation techniques. The KES-FB Auto system, the FAST system and Cusick’s Drape Meter were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the fabrics. The shear, bending, extension, and compression parameters were measured using KES-FB and FAST instruments, and the drape coefficient was measured using Cusick’s Drape Meter. It was found that the KES-F and FAST systems have a good correlation between each parameter, although they use different measurement principles. Another conclusion obtained from this work concerns the dependence of bending and shear parameters on the fabric drape property. It was found that the drape of a fabric is primarily dependent on the fabric’s bending and shear properties.