Structural modeling and simulation of industrial flat and cylindrical axial weft-knitted fabrics

The main purpose of this research is to create a new computer-aided design method based on layered stitches that can be used in the geometric structure simulation of various axial weft-knitted fabrics, including flat and cylindrical structures. Based on the analysis of structural characteristics, fabric mesh models were constructed. Layered loop spatial geometry models were established and a method of layered transparent graphic mapping was developed to represent fabrics. Structures were stratified according to the stitch graphic units, and coordinates in the fabric coordinate system were calculated by establishing the loop translation matrix and the rotation matrix. By comparing the simulation effect and time of different layers, yarn counts and fabric sizes, the simulation results showed that the simulation efficiency was affected by layers and sizes. This approach realized the three-dimensional structural simulation of flat and cylindrical axial weft-knitted fabrics with multiple layers distinctly, which reveals the intermesh relationship between different layers and provides a modeling basis for the production, processing and even performance research of industrial axial fabrics.