Consideration of the yarn–yarn interactions in meso/macro discrete model of fabric. Part I: Single yarn behaviour

A mesoscopic discrete model of dry fabric has been developed, based on the yarn–yarn interactions occurring at the yarns crossing points. The fabric yarns, described initially by a Fourier series development, are discretized into elastic straight bars represented by stretching springs and connected at frictionless hinges by rotational springs. The motion of each node is described by a lateral displacement and a rotation. The expression of the reaction force exerted by the transverse yarns at the contact points is assessed, from which the work of the reaction forces is established. The equilibrium shape of the yarn is obtained as the minimum of its total potential energy, accounting for the work of the reaction forces due to the transverse yarns. Simulations of a traction curve of a single yarn are performed, that evidence the effect of the yarn interactions. The two principal deformation mechanisms, the variation of undulation and the yarn stretching, are separately analysed.