Three-dimensional simulation of woven fabric structures using VRML

Three-dimensional simulation of woven fabric structures has been done for some years but limited to high performance computers and long rendering times. As performance of computers become much more powerful, the simulation can be accomplished using ordinary computers with shorter rendering times. In this research, three-dimensional images of woven fabric structures were visualised using VRML (virtual reality modelling language) based on geometrical models. Warp and weft yarn paths were constructed according to weave patterns. Three-dimensional image of each yarn was created by the extrusion method that is a cross-sectional image was swept along the yarn path. The generated warp and weft yarn images were assembled to form the woven fabric structure. A user-friendly program for simulating woven fabric structures was developed using Visual Basic language. In this program, users will be asked to provide a weave pattern. Various weave parameters are also available for adjusting, including yarn sizes, warp and weft densities, yarn colours and yarn cross-sectional shapes. Accordingly, a three-dimensional image of the specified structure can be displayed. The program is able to correctly simulate various woven structures including elementary weaves, namely, the plain weave, twill weaves and satin/sateen weaves. The average rendering time on a 1.8MHz PC is less than 2 seconds.