European Scientific Journal October 2017 edition Vol.13, No.30 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431 463 Precision Prediction of Knitted Fabric Loop Length Through Online Monitoring of Yarn Input Tension and Course Length-A Mathematical Approach for Circular Weft Knitting With Positive Storage Feeding A.K.M. Mobarok Hossain Department of Textile Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh Dr. Abu Rayhan Md. Ali Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh Doi: 10.19044/esj.2017.v13n30p463 URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.19044/esj.2017.v13n30p463 Abstract A model in the form of an equation has been developed based on the mechanical consideration of yarn during dynamic circular weft knitting process that runs with positive storage feed system. The predicted course length through this model has been compared with that found from actual fabric by a recognized apparatus, i.e. HATRA Course Length Tester. The t- test was carried out over the obtained results for statistical analysis purpose. It was observed that for spun polyester knitted fabric, as used in the experimental part, the model worked very effectively through precision prediction by showing very low average mean difference in predicted course length from that measured from the actual fabric. The t-values and corresponding p-values proved the difference between the predicted and actual results statistically significant and thus opened the scope for further investigation and calibration. Keywords: Knitted fabric, Loop length, True Specific stress, Initial Modulus, Course Length Tester Introduction Knitting may be considered as a mechanical process in which yarn loops are interlocked to form fabric. Superior fabric quality like comfort and form-fitting are core reasons for the popularity of knitted fabrics. Circular weft knitting is the most widely practiced technique for knitted fabric formation where a circular needle-bed knitting machine is deployed to