Test and mesoscopic finite element analysis on mechanical properties degradation of aged coated fabrics

Abstract

In this paper the mechanical properties degradation of aged coated fabrics is investigated. Tests on the tension strength and the tearing strength of the aged fabrics are carried out, which is from the membrane roof of Qingdao Stadium used for more than 13 years. The strength degradation degrees of the aged fabrics are obtained. Due to the configuration of fabrics the numerical simulation on its stress state as well as its fracture process and mechanism is very difficult. In this paper, a mesoscopic finite element model for plain woven fabrics stress analysis is established based on woven configuration fabric cells. The numerical analysis shows that a firm yarn-yarn connection at interlacing point would make fabrics has high shear stiffness and concentrates tensile stress on the edge of the fabrics in which applied load. It coincides with the bi-axial tensile test, in which cruciform specimen fracture always at the arms instead of core area. Finally the fracture criterion is built up for new and aged fabrics on the basis of the test and analysis results of this paper.