Multi-objective optimization of air permeability and thermal conductivity of knitted fabrics with desired ultraviolet protection

Abstract

A simultaneous optimal solution of two objectives, namely air permeability and thermal conductivity has been derived for both single jersey and 1 × 1 rib knitted fabrics with desired ultraviolet (UV) protection. As these two objectives are conflicting with each other, a set of optimal solutions are possible which are non-dominating in nature. These set of optimal solutions are known as Pareto optimal solutions. In this work, the Pareto optimal solutions were derived with an elitist multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA II). These Pareto optimal solutions helped to obtain the effective knitting and yarn parameters to engineer knitted fabrics with optimal comfort and desired level of UV protection.