Measuring and Interpreting Low-Stress Fabric Mechanical and Surface Properties

Abstract
The results of an extensive study are reported involving the variability of measuring low-stress fabric mechanical and surface properties for a range of 30 wool and wool blend suiting fabrics. Seven sets of KESF instruments were used for the interlaboratory tests in Australia, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the Peo ple's Republic of China. Values are given for the repeatability and reproducibility of 37 parameters and ratios characterizing the elastic and inelastic components of fabric deformation in tension, shear, bending, and lateral compression, as well as fabric surface behavior, that is, surface topography and friction. Measurement precision is also specified in terms of the maximum error for these parameters. The variance of the measurements is quoted in terms of its within-laboratory, between-laboratory, and specimen-laboratory interaction components. Recommendations are made for both the in-house product and process development situations (within laboratory) and for specifications for commercial transactions (between laboratory) as to the number of tests that should be performed in order to achieve a given level of precision. Though varying numbers of tests are recommended for some parameters, a general rule of three tests per sample may be taken as a guide.

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