An analytical approach for the compression and recovery behavior of cut pile carpets under constant rate of compression by mechanical models

Abstract

Viscoelastic models composing of different combination of spring and dashpot are usually used to explain the mechanical behavior of textile materials. In this study, three different models were analyzed for explaining the compression, decompression and recovery of cut pile carpets under constant rate of compression. The carpet samples were compressed by the Zwick tester under constant rate of compression. The experiments were performed for just one cycle of compression-decompression. Maxwell mechanical model as well as the standard linear and nonlinear three-element models was employed for simulating the compression behavior and recovery of the carpet samples. Curve fitting method based on least square method was used to adapt the experimental data to the theoretical models. The results showed that the three element model consists of a Maxwell body paralleled with a non-linear spring can describe the compression and decompression behavior of more significantly in compression to Maxwell and standard linear models. Several attributes of compression can be described by the model parameters including work of compression, work of recovery and initial modulus. The results also showed that the Maxwell model is not capable of explaining the recovery property of the carpet as it shows some residual deformation after load removal. This is in contrary to the experimental results where all sample recovered to initial thickness after just one cycle of compression-decompression. The standard linear and nonlinear three-element models showed acceptable compliance with the recovery. The result suggests that the nonlinear three-element model provides the best fit for the experimental data.