A yarn hanging model for estimating the applied initial warp tension in the multi-layer weaving process

Carbon fiber warp yarns tend to hang due to the gravity in the multi-layer weaving process, which leads to chaotic shedding and impairs fabric quality. The hanging shape of carbon fiber warp yarns is mainly determined by the applied initial warp tension in the weaving process, and excessive warp tension increases the friction between the yarn and the heald frame, resulting in yarn wear. A yarn hanging model based on catenary theory was established to estimate the applied minimum initial warp tension that could ensure clear shedding in the multi-layer weaving process. The relationship between the warp hanging shape and various weaving process parameters (warp tension, yarn specifications and the size of shedding) was obtained. According to the weaving conditions, the applied initial yarn tension could be estimated using the model before manufacturing. Multi-layer yarn hanging experiments were conducted using different specification carbon fibers and yarn tension, and the theoretical predictions and experimental results were compared. The results showed that the yarn hanging model could well simulate the actual hanging characteristics of carbon fiber warp yarn under different tension. The research results provide a tool for estimating the applied initial warp tension in the multi-layer weaving process.