Electromechanical properties of knitted wearable sensors: part 1 – theory

Abstract

This paper reports the development of a hexagon resistance model, based on the loop structure of a plain weft knitted fabric. This model is capable of describing the electromechanical properties of conductive knitted elastic fabrics. Based on the relationship between the resistance and the load on the fabric under biaxial extension, the equivalent resistance of the fabric was obtained by solving the circuit network equations. It was found that the circuit network is a multiple circuit parallel to the wale direction whereas it is in series along the course direction. And Holm’s electrical contact theory is used to calculate the relationship between the contact resistance and the contact force in an elastic fabric sensor. The contact load and deformation between two knitting loops are calculated using the classical knitted fabric mechanics model of Kawabata and Popper.