An analysis of the tensile strength of twisted fiber structures

We are interested in modeling the interaction between elements within a typical twisted fiber structure such as a thread or cable using numerical analysis techniques. A twisted cable or thread requires frictional forces between its constituent filaments to stay together and to transmit tension along its length. Fine scaled studies of these forces and the properties on which they depend are computationally intensive due to the large number of filaments involved. The current study is a preliminary look at the interactions between individual filaments, starting with simple tensile strength tests and working up to sliding friction between bundled fibers. The primary research tool utilized in this project is the LS-DYNA finite element analysis software package.