Investigation of Numerical Evaluation of the Elasticity Sensation for Various Fabrics

Abstract

This study was aimed at expressing stretchability of various fabrics. The stretchability evaluation of various fabrics was quantified. For this, we defined “stretching sensation of fabric (SSF),” which quantifies the elasticity evaluation by humans. We compared the stretchability of fabrics with different fibers, weaves, and yarn thicknesses (test stimuli) and created a stretchability scale based on mechanical property values (comparison stimuli). The SSFs were calculated from the approximate curves created based on the results and compared to examine the tendency of humans to evaluate elasticity and factors that influence the evaluation. Consequently, we successfully calculated the SSFs and quantified the elasticity evaluation by considering human sensation. Furthermore, the relationship between SSF and each fiber indicated a reversed trend for woven and knitted fabrics. The difference between the evaluation trends of woven and knitted fabrics for the same fiber suggested a significant effect of the differences in fibers on the human inference of elasticity.