Finite Element Modeling of Warp-Knitted Fabrics for Biomedical and Composite Applications
摘要
Warp knitted fabrics are used in a variety of ways, including knitted garments, home textiles, medical textiles, technical fabrics, and non-crimp fabrics, enhancing their durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. However, when developing a finite element method (FEM) model for these types of fabrics, accurately creating the geometry of the warp knitted structure can be challenging. Careful approximation of the stitch geometry is essential, as it significantly influences the final simulation results. This paper presents an approach to develop the geometry of the warp-knitted fabric structure to better reflect reality. To validate this approach, two FEM models are developed in LS-DYNA: one for a warp-knitted fabric for a medical application and another for a unidirectional non-crimp fabric, both of which incorporate a pillar stitch type. The warp-knitted fabric is utilized as an attachment tube for the fixation of muscle tissue during hip replacement surgery. A tensile test is conducted on one half of the warp-knitted fabric, and the results are compared with the simulation outcomes for validation. Additionally, the attachment tube is fitted over a endoprosthesis and visually compared with real-time experiment. The non-crimp fabric is used as a reinforcement for a composite material. A hemisphere drape test is performed on the non-crimp fabric both in real life and through simulation. Finally, a visual comparison is made to assess how the pillar stitches in the fabric behave during the draping process. Simulation results confirm the reliability of the developed models and their ability to predict the forming behavior of the fabrics.