Introducing and optimizing a novel mesh for simulating knitted fabric

Abstract

In this paper, a mass spring system is developed to simulate the draping behavior of knitted fabric. A new type of mesh based on loop structure, which is called Loop mesh, is introduced. The effective properties on fabric drape are measured using the Fast system, and the experimental data are incorporated into the mass spring model to simulate the draping behavior of knitted fabrics. 3D shape of real drape behavior of fabric samples is achieved using depth camera. Then in order to reduce error value between simulated and real results, distances between mass points in the Loop mesh are optimized using the Imperialistic Competitive Algorithm (ICA). In order to investigate validity and accuracy of the Loop mesh, drape behavior of knitted fabrics falling over a square table are also simulated using common meshes. It can be found that the Loop mesh produced a closest drape shape to the real fabric drape than other mesh models. Finally, fabrics drape is simulated in other situations and compared with its real result to validate the proposed model. Results show that the optimized model is able to simulate the drape behavior of knitted fabric with error value of 4.29 percent.

Keywords:

• Mass spring
• loop mesh
• knitted fabric
• FAST system
• depth camera
• Imperialist Competitive Algorithm