Tactile sensing of constructional differences in fabrics with a polymeric finger tip

There have been many attempts for quantitative assessment of constructional differences of woven fabrics in view of perceived touch. This research focuses on quantifying the tactile perception of minor changes in constructional parameters (yarn density, yarn fineness and pattern) of fabrics by rubbing with an artificial finger tip at achievable preload and velocity. Experiments show the viability of sensing constructional differences and confirm the significance of scanning direction in asymmetrical patterns. Friction coefficients primarily rely on the number of intersection points and total area of flow yarns taking place in a unit pattern area in the direction of scanning. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.