ERGONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF KNITWEAR DEPENDENT ON IT’S GEOMETRY

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the ergonomic properties of knitwear, that form sense of thermophysiological comfort of a person and their connection with the geometric characteristics of the knitted structure to study the prospects of comfort predicting using computer-aided design systems. Methodology. During the research methods of theoretical analysis, basics of the theory of knitting, theories of thin elastic shell, basic concepts of mechanics and the basics of hydrodynamics were used. Findings.  In  the  course  of  the  work  a  theoretical  analysis  of  scientific  works  and  normative  and technical documentation on various aspects of the definition and provision at the required level of ergonomic properties of knitwear that characterize the level of its convenience and comfort has been carried out. It was found  that  many  researchers  refer  as  most  influencing  the  sense  of  comfort  such  properties  as:  air permeability, water vapour permeability, thermal resistance, hygroscopicity, electrical resistance, as well as stiffness and stretchability, that most affect the ability of knitwear to keep shape and fit the size of the human body.
It was found that all abovementioned knitwear properties depend on the geometric characteristics of the knitted structure, such as yarn diameter; the loop length; wale spacing; course spacing; the thickness of the knit and others. Theoretical models of mechanical and physical properties of knitwear are functions of the geometrical characteristics of its structure, therefore the quality prediction of physical behaviour of knitwear depends on the quality of the 3D geometric model of the yarn, knitted in the knit.
Scientific novelty. As a result of an analytical review of scientific publications and normative and technical documentation, the ergonomics of knitwear that form a feeling of thermophysiological comfort were determined, and their connection with the geometric characteristics of the knitwear structure was established. Practical  value.  Theoretical  models  of  air  permeability,  thermal  conductivity  and  stretchability, published  in  scientific  journals,  from  the  point  of  view  of  the  possibility  of  their  use  as  the  basis  for mathematical support of the computer-aided design system of knitted clothing are analyzed.