Normalisation of biaxial bias extension test results considering shear tension coupling

A theoretical background is proposed for the normalisation of biaxial bias extension results for rate-independent fabrics, whose shear compliance depends on both the shear angle and the fibre tension within the fabric. The theory is used to predict the form of biaxial bias extension results from known shear force–shear angle–fibre tension behaviours. Hypothetical data sets are used to perform a parametric study of the likely influence of the nature of the shear–tension coupling on the form of the biaxial bias extension test results. The theory is then used in implementing an iterative numerical code designed to retrieve the underlying material response from biaxial bias extension test results and examples predictions are given. A discussion of the information required in order to perform the normalisation, and the methods by which this information can be obtained, is presented. Finally, assumptions behind the theory are outlined and critically assessed.