A neural network system for designing new stretch fabrics

In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) aided system for designing knit stretch materials based on the virtual leave one out approach is presented. This system aims at modeling the relation between functional properties (outputs) and structural parameters (inputs) of knitted fabrics made from pure yarn cotton (cellulose) and viscose (regenerated cellulose) fibers and plated knitted with elasthane (Lycra) fibers. Knitted fabric structure type, yarn count, yarn composition, gauge, elasthane fiber proportion (%), elasthane yarn linear density, fabric thickness and fabric areal density, were used as inputs to ANN model. These models have been validated by a testing data. The developed neural model allows designers to optimize the structure of knit stretch materials according to the functional properties.