Abstract:

The main objective of this paper was to simulate the three-dimensional structure of warp knitted spacer fabric using computer technology. For this purpose, the geometric structure of warp knitted spacer fabric was investigated. Specifically, a 3D spacial stitch model of warp knitted spacer fabric is developed using non-uniform rational B-spline(NURBS) curves and surfaces. Since the stitches in real fabric are usually inclined, the offset rule of special stitches is employed in order to simulate the stitches more realistically. Then the offset calculation formulas for each given point in the 3D stitch model are obtained. Finally 3D computer simulation of warp knitted spacer fabric is achieved and some simulation images of this kind of fabric are generated on the computer. The mechanism developed in this paper can model the 3D structures of common warp knitted spacer fabric interactively and accurately.