COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN OF BRAIDED ROPES – STRATEGIES FOR CONSIDERING THE DEFORMATIONS OF SINGLE YARNS

Summary

This paper presents two strategies for modelling braided ropes, where lateral deformation of the yarn can be considered. The first strategy is based on continuum modelling of the yarns. It uses classical solid elements with Finite Element Method (FEM) software and requires correct material properties of the yarn in the lateral direction. For the second strategy, this identification problem does not exist. It is based on modelling of the yarns as an assembly consisting of several filaments. In both cases the initial geometry, which has to be topologically correct and interpenetration free, is required. It is created here by using geometrical algorithms, that are implemented in the software TexMind Braider. The geometry can be refined with a following relaxation procedure, for example with FEM software or with a digital chain method within the Virtual Textile Morphology Suite (VTMS) software.

Author: Y. Kyosev