8--THE SCOPE FOR FABRIC ENGINEERING BY MEANS OF THE WEAVE.

The concept of fabric engineering—the design of fabrics with predetermined physical properties—is used in relation to the structure of woven fabrics, and it is shown from theoretical considerations, with the aid of computer analysis, that a large discrepancy exists between the number of weaves of comparatively small size that can be woven and the number that are actually produced. Experimental results obtained on fabrics woven in accordance with a particular plan indicate that the weave has a very marked effect on both tearing strength and stiffness. The results further suggest that weave modification can provide a means of obtaining very accurate control of the two properties investigated and of their possible combinations, and the same may well be true of other physical properties of fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]