Stress relaxation of three-dimensional warp-knitted fabrics in compression

Spacer fabrics are a versatile textile construction that can be modified and adapted for a wide range of uses. While the behaviour of spacer fabrics in compression has been extensively studied, their time dependant properties such as creep and stress relaxation have not been investigated equally well. In this research project warp-knit spacer fabrics underwent consecutive compression cycles and the resulting stress degradation over time curves were analysed in order to develop a mathematical and mechanical model of the material behaviour. Based on this analysis it was found that the complexity of spacer structure results in the creep behaviour being connected to the creep bending of interconnecting yarns.