Improving the accuracy of the uniaxial bias extension test on engineering fabrics using a simple wrinkle mitigation technique

In response to a previous investigation on the influence of specimen pre-shear and wrinkling on the accuracy of uniaxial bias extension test results (Alsayednoor et al. [1]), numerical and experimental investigations have been conducted, aimed at evaluating the use of transparent anti-wrinkle plates to mitigate errors due to wrinkling of engineering fabrics. Predictions of the numerical investigation suggest that the anti-wrinkle plates significantly improve the accuracy of kinematic measurements while introducing only a very minor stiffening effect on the axial force versus shear angle data. Results from subsequent experiments on two different engineering fabrics confirmed the numerical predictions; the accuracy and repeatability of test data was significantly improved and the maximum shear angle and axial force data measurable in the tests was significantly increased. The investigation suggests a useful role for anti-wrinkle plates in characterising the formability of engineering fabrics.