Modelling woven fabric constructions under hydrostatic pressure

The paper outlines a modelling technique that predicts how woven fabric constructions will change shape when subjected to the application of hydrostatic pressure. The initial specification required for the technique is in terms of a triangulated pattern for each fabric piece in the construction and an initial 3D location for each node. Fabric types are characterised by look-up tables describing the warp and weft tensile and shear behaviours. The modelling proceeds by seeking to find the minimum energy state of the construction where material strain energy is balanced by the energy required to inflate the construction by the application of hydrostatic energy. Examples are provided to illustrate the operation of the technique.