SonicFibre – Experimental and numerical multiscale analysis of temporary friction reduction during textile production by means of plate vibration excitation

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Burkhard Corves; Professor Dr.-Ing. Thomas Gries; Professor Dr.-Ing. Bernd Markert
• Subject Area: Lightweight Construction, Textile Technology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 516937265

Textile materials such as nonwovens and yarns can be manufactured to exhibit a wide range of properties, including lightweight and damping properties, high tensile strength, fire resistance, water resistance, breathability and cost efficiency. As such, they can be used in countless industrial applications, including automotive, aerospace, medical applications such as face masks, filtration, agriculture, furniture, construction, and packaging. The structure and strength of such manufactured materials are characterised by a force-fit and form-fit connection of the individual fibres. Although interfibre friction plays a crucial role in maintaining the shape and strength of the final product, it poses a serious challenge in the manufacturing process. For example, higher friction forces lead to damage and wear of machine parts, higher energy consumption and shorter maintenance cycles. Therefore, techniques such as vibration stimulation of textile materials and lubrication can be used to temporarily reduce the interfibre friction during textile production.The aim of this research project is to develop a multidisciplinary experimental and numerical multiscale analysis of temporary friction reduction in textile production using plate vibration excitation in a wide range of frequencies. To carry out this research project and cover the various aspects, the combined expertise and cooperation among the Institute of Textile Technology (ITA), the Institute of Mechanism Theory, Machine Dynamics and Robotics (IGMR) and the Institute of General Mechanics (IAM) is necessary. The topics to be covered include studying the multiscale mechanical response of nonwovens as multiphase porous materials, the analysis and measurement of the vibrating system consisting of a large area plate-porous layer, the experimental calibration and validation of the numerical results, and the use of the obtained data for the optimisation of the textile production process.Due to the wide range of applications for the studied materials, the proposed research project, with its goals of optimising the production process, reducing energy consumption, and decreasing damage and wear on machine parts, will bring significant economical, and societal benefits, especially in the areas of energy and the environment.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Dr.-Ing. Frederik Cloppenburg; Dr.-Ing. Yousef Heider