Fourier Transform Analysis of Plain Weave Fabric Appearance

TLDR

Protruding yarns and surface characteristics such as directionality, yarn density, and periodicity influence plain‑weave cotton fabric properties and end use. The study proposes an objective method for measuring fabric appearance using Fourier transform image processing. The method employs angular Fourier power spectra to assess changes in protruding yarns caused by wear across yarns produced by various spinning systems. Protruding yarn density measured by this technique correlates with prior dynamic‑friction spectral analyses and proves useful for estimating yarn density on fabric surfaces.

Abstract

Protruding yarns influence a fabric's properties and its end use. This paper discusses a new approach to measuring fabric appearance objectively using image processing techniques by Fourier transform analysis. Characteristics of the fabric surface such as directionality, density of yarns protruding from the fabric body, and periodicity of weft and warp yams (yarn spacing) for plain-weave cotton fabric are discussed. The protruding yarn density obtained in this study correlates with those from previous work by spectral analysis of dynamic friction in the fabric surface. This new approach is regarded as a useful method for estimating protruding yam density on fabric surfaces. Through the angular Fourier power spectrum, changes in protruding yarns due to wear are evaluated for yarns spun by different systems such as air-jet, core-spun, open- end, carded, and combed.