Abstract

The relative motions between warp yarns and heddles within the Jacquard harness used for 3D weaving induce frictional interactions between these elements which may generate both damage in the yarns and weaving errors. To identify the interaction phenomena taking place within such harnesses, a finite element model, based on an implicit solution scheme [1], is proposed. In this model, all elements involved in the harness (cords, heddles, warp yarns) are represented using finite strain beam elements, and frictional contact elements are automatically created to account for frictional contact interactions. Motions defined by the Jacquard card for the shedding are prescribed as boundary conditions to the upper ends of the heddles. The resultant forces necessary to move the heddles are obtained as results of the simulation. Simulation results for an interlock fabric, with 28 warp yarns, will be presented, showing the forces evolution applied to the heddles over a few dozen consecutive sheddings.