Investigation of the contact resistance between stainless steel threads embedded in woven fabric

Abstract

This study investigates the contact resistance of stainless steel threads embedded in plain weave cotton fabric through weaving. The hybrid woven structures reflect the geometry of a woven fabric, the tension of the yarns in the structure, and the resulting pressure between them. Measurements of contact resistances of stainless steel threads are conducted. Four different cases of threads interlacing in the woven fabric are considered. Current-voltage characteristics and the temperature of the steel thread surface measurements are evaluated, determining the electric current threshold that avoids resistive heating. The four–electrode–four–wire method is employed for precise measurements. The uncertainty analysis is used to assess differences in the contact resistance measurements. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-Test compares contact resistances of steel threads in considered cases of interlacing. Results show that the contact resistance is lower for two threads interlaced in two directions compared to samples where a single thread occurs in one direction.