On the Mechanisms of Tearing in Woven Fabrics

A short review is provided of the models used by earlier researchers to explain or predict tear re sistance of woven fabrics. Many such models emphasize either differential yam extension in the region of the tear or differential yarn slippage across the apex of the tear. A limited number of experi ments with selected specimen extremes are used to demonstrate the presence of yam slippage and/or local yarn extensions, both across and along the tear. The use of commercial reprography provides a simple inexpensive method of recording local displacements and strains during or after the tear test.