Dynamics of cotton textile motion in a domestic tumble dryer and its effect on drying performance

Abstract

A high-speed video camera was used to track a tracer textile as it is tumbled among other textiles in a domestic tumble dryer under different operating conditions, with the aim of investigating the mechanisms by which the mechanical action is imposed on textiles and affects drying performance during drying. These mechanisms were first recognized by comparing the clothes drying process to other well-researched chemical engineering processes. From the observation of the recorded motion processes, cotton textile transverse motion can be divided into three categories and a motion index system was derived to characterize the type of motion undergone. The impact of textile transverse motion on drying performance was numerically discussed based on the results of an analysis of variance and regression analysis. Results indicated that textile dynamics with more complexity and flexibility tended to have more mixing, shortened distance of moisture migration inside the fabric layer and fewer wrinkles formed, resulting in higher potential to have a better drying performance.

E-Textile Systems Reliability Assessment—A Miniaturized Accelerometer Used to Investigate Damage during Their Washing

“…Though each phase has different stresses working in it and their intensity varies in different parts [ 31 ], the main stresses are water, mechanical, chemical, and temperature during a complete washing process. Among these stresses, mechanical and chemical stresses are the most dangerous and difficult to control [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ] according to the people’s general perception. Table 1 shows different stresses and their intensities in washing actions [ 31 ].…”

Investigation of fabric movement in a tumble dryer for the development of drying methods for wool fabrics to save energy

“…17 In addition, evenness of drying was better at the medium-level rotation speed, which was attributable to less squeeze of fabrics and even contact between fabrics and drying air. 18,19 Furthermore, fabric movement during tumble drying could influence the appearance of fabric in term of fabric smoothness. 18 If the fabrics are folded and entangled or trapped for prolonged time, the smooth appearance will be poor 18 .…”

“…18,19 Furthermore, fabric movement during tumble drying could influence the appearance of fabric in term of fabric smoothness. 18 If the fabrics are folded and entangled or trapped for prolonged time, the smooth appearance will be poor 18 .…”

“…To improve the drying efficiency of garments and to maintain their appearance with use of tumble dryers, fabric movement during tumble drying has been investigated by tracking a tracer fabric at varied rotation speeds of the drum. 15,18 At different rotation speeds of the drum from 35 to 60 rpm, fabric movement may be in the patterns of (a) sliding, (b) sliding and falling, (c) rotating and falling, and (d) rotating. 15 It was found that fabric movement involving sliding, falling, and rotating at the rotation speed of the drum between 45 and 50 rpm could achieve drying at higher energy efficiency because of the increased contact area between fabric surface and hot air.…”

“…17 In addition, evenness of drying was better at the medium-level rotation speed, which was attributable to less squeeze of fabrics and even contact between fabrics and drying air. 18,19…”