A novel test method of load-bearing performance of sized warp yarn based on weaving load simulation and its effectiveness

To simulate the weaving process effectively and evaluate the load-bearing performance of sized warp yarn based on the tensile and friction loads of warp in weaving, a weaving load simulation tester of sized warp yarn (SWL) named JN-01 was designed and developed in this paper. It realized the simulation of warp tension, opening tensile load, and abrasion load, respectively. In addition, the SWL included three auxiliary function modules, that is, take-up and let-off, yarn breaking automatic stop, and human–computer interaction interface. The load-bearing life of sized warp yarn was measured by the number of load cycles when the yarn broke. Taking pure cotton sized warp yarn of 14.5 tex as the test sample, the effects of adjustable parameters of the SWL, such as working frequency, opening stroke, yarn tension, reed swing angle, and winding speed, on the load-bearing performance of sized warp yarn were systematically studied. Aiming at the stability of the test results of load-bearing life, the parameters of the SWL were optimized by the analysis of response surface methodology. The optimization results showed that: when the parameters were maintained at the following level, that is, working frequency of 180 rpm, winding speed of 3 mm/min, opening stroke of 32 mm, reed swing angle of 12° and yarn tension of 1.7 cN/tex, the relative deviation between the predicted value and the theoretical value of load-bearing life CV was 0.85%. The results also indicated that the optimized instrument parameters had good reproducibility.