An Application of Finite-Element Method to the Deformation Analysis of Coated Plain-Weave Fabrics

Abstract

Methods for analysing coated plain-weave fabric which has properties of nonlinear elasticity have not yet been satisfactorily developed. In this paper, a method which is promising for use in engineering applications like the strength analysis of membrane structures is presented. The finite element method using a rectangular element consisting of plain-weave fabric and coating material which is assumed to be an isotropic elastic plate of plane stress is applied to the method. Verification of the method is made by using uniaxial stress-strain responses. A square piece of coated plain-weave fabric with a square hole in it is analyzed as an example of application of the present method.