Mathematical model to predict vertical wicking profile of single weft knitted structure

Abstract

Mathematical models has been proposed to predict the vertical wicking height in single weft knitted fabric considering two scales of capillary flow; macroscale capillary flow through capillaries formed between yarns in the fabric, and microscale capillary flow through capillaries formed with in yarn. Macroscale model has been developed based on the sinusoidal irregular capillary to predict wicking profile along the wale and course directions. Microscale capillary model was developed considering capillaries as tortuous stream tubes along the wale and along the course. Another model based on inclined tube capillary has been developed to predict the wicking along wale. Lambert function has been used to calculate wicking height at different intervals of time. Validation of theoretical results has been done with experimental results taking fabric knitted from polyester yarns. Three different levels of tightness and three different shape factors of filament have been taken in the experimental study and the significance of their effect has been evaluated using ANOVA. A good correlation has been found between theoretical and experimental results.

Keywords:

• vertical wicking
• single weft knitted structure
• irregular sinusoidal capillary
• tortuous capillary
• inclined tube capillary
• fabric tightness