AUTEX Research Journal, Vol.

5, No1, March 2005 © AUTEX

ANALYSIS OF TRANSVERSE DEFORMABILITY OF SPACER

PRODUCTS
Marek Musioł

Former junior lecturer of the Department of Technical Mechanics

Faculty of Textile Engineering and Marketing
Technical University of Lodz
ul. Zeromskiego 116, 90-543 Lodz, Poland

Abstract
The paper presents a model of transverse deformation in a textile product consisting of
two external layers combined with deformed elements in the middle layer. Transverse
deformability of textiles is particularly significant for several-layer products, and is
decisive for the utility properties of such products.

Key words:
textiles, mechanic, transverse deformation, modelling

The analysis is aimed at investigating the transverse deformability of laminates. The transverse
deformability of textiles is particularly significant for several-layer products. Such deformability is
decisive for the utility properties of these products. It may thus be crucial for such products as carpets,
floor covering, many kinds of furniture covering and upholstery products, etc.

The paper demonstrates changes in the connecting element’s height under a transverse force.
Transverse deformability was modelled with the use of the system of differential equations of
equilibrium. An equilibrium state of the connector in its curvilinear deformation is sought.

The results were obtained in the form of diagrams in which the shortening of the connector is shown
depending on the force action and mechanical properties of the connector.

external
upper layer

connectors

external
lower layer

Figure 1. Diagram of load applied to a textile

∆x
There are many methods of interleaving the
connectors with external layers. The method of fixing
B connectors may be defined as elastic, i.e. intermediate
between total and articulated fixation . This paper
discusses the simplest case of connecting the
connector with external layers. Such a model is shown
ϕB in Figure 2 below.
l xk
y
Figure 2. Connector model, l - total connector height before
loading, B – articulated fixation with external upper layer, A –
ϕA articulated fixation with external lower layer, ∆x – change of
x connector’s height under loading ∆y force P, ϕb, ϕA – angles
beetwen the line of the connector and perpendicular lines at
point B and A
A

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P A change in the connector height under force load P is designated as

∆x (Figure 2).
H

ϕB

ϕA
x Figure 3. Load diagram

s A connector element of ds length is separated from the object and

H released from constraints by introducing a component of internal
P forces H, V and a bending moment M, which are functions of the
position s of cross-section H=H(s); V=V(s); M=M(s).

V+dV Figure 4. A fragment of ds length connector

Such a system should satisfy the conditions

H+dH dy
of equilibrium:
dV
M+dM ∑ Px = − =0 (1)
dx ds
ϕ
dH
∑ Py = − =0 (2)
ds ds
H x
M ∑ M =Vdy − Hdx − dM = 0 (3)

The above system of equations is

y
V complemented by a physical relation that
complies with Hooke’s law,
dϕ
EI =M (4)
ds
and the geometrical relations
dx
= cos ϕ (5)
ds
dy
= sin ϕ (6)
ds
The following boundary conditions accompany Equations (1) through (6):

for s=0 for s=l

x=0 y=0 (7)

y=0 M =0
M =0 V =P
Following Equations (1) and (2), we have H=0 and V=P, and after inserting (3) to the equation we
receive:
dM
+ QPkr sin ϕ = 0 (8)
ds

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Q stands here for a ratio of transverse force applied to the product in relation to a critical buckling
force
P π 2 EI
Q= ; Pkr =
Pkr l2
Finally, the system of equations is reduced to four equations: (4), (5), (6) and (8).

The system of equations is solved with use of a numerical shot method; the problem with boundary
conditions is reduced to one of substitution, with initial conditions for s=0.

When arbitrarily assuming the value of angle ϕ (0 ) = ϕ A , we have all the initial conditions given:

ϕ (0) = ϕ A
M (0) = 0
x(0) = 0 (9)

y (0) = 0
As a result of numerically solving theequations with initial conditions (9), the values of moments for s=l
depending on the load applied with use of Q force and at ϕ A assumed angle areobtained.

M B = M B (Q,ϕ A )
Based on the moment values obtained at the upper end, we looked for such moments that reach a
zero value (Figure 5).

M (ϕ A , Q ) = 0 (10)

Following the solution of this equation, a ratio between load and initial angle is obtained:

Q = Q(ϕ A )
Figure 5 illustrates the solution obtained in the form of three diagrams corresponding to various forms
of deformation. Figure 6 shows some deformation forms of the connector corresponding to various
angles.

The range of initial angle was assumed as 0 < ϕ A < π , load range 1 < Q < 10 .

P
Pkr

Figure 5. Values of function M (ϕ A , Q ) = 0

Some forms of the connector deflection are

shown in Figure 6 below.

When solving the system of equations, and

ϕ knowing the initial angle ϕ, the dependence
(11) is obtained, based on which the diagram
shown in Figure 7 is generated.

Using some geometrical relations (5), the shortening of the connector may be described with the use
of the following dependence:
l
∆x = l − ∫ cos(ϕ )ds (11)
0

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Figure 6. Some shapes of the connector

where l- means the initial length of the connector. The formula is true for Q>1.

When deformations are small, the connector length may be approximately calculated with use of the
following dependence:

∆x  Pl 2 
=  2 − 11,76 (12)
l  π EI 
∆x
l

Figure 7. Diagram of displacements

For small deformations such as zero to approximately 0.3, a linear diagram was obtained, despite the
nonlinear theory. When the connector deflections are larger, the diagram is nonlinear in nature, and
described by the dependence (11).

Conclusions
The changes in the connector height in small deformations have a linear nature, despite a nonlinear
theory being applied. In deformations larger than 30% of the initial connector length, the diagram
patterns are curvilinear.

References
1. Kobza W., Modelowanie zginania tekstylnych wyrobów kompozytowych (in Polish), PAN,
2000.
2. Musioł M., Wyboczenie prętów zanurzonych w ośrodku sprężystym i zamocowanych
sprężyście, Modelowanie i symulacja komputerowa w technice (in Polish), WSI, Łódź, 2002.

∇∆

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