Mechanics of Nonwovens

Nonwovens are advanced materials with complex fibrous microstructures composed of randomly distributed fibers. The characterization methods of their microstructure, mechanical behavior and deformation processes at multiple scales are more challenging than of their homogeneous counterparts, such as traditional structural materials. Their characterization is conducted at scales ranging from nano/micro (fiber scale) to macro (fabric scale). This chapter addresses the mechanics of nonwoven materials at these scales with the focus on of mechanical properties of fabrics and their constituent fibers after introducing some fundamental concepts. Researchers often use various experiments and modeling approaches, particularly a finite-element method, to characterise their mechanical behavior qualitatively and quantitatively. The relevant analytical and numerical models of nonwovens are discussed in detail. In addition to the experimental findings reported in the literature, the numerical interpretations of the micro- and macro-mechanics of the nonwovens are presented.