Airflow through fiber plugs. Part II: Obtaining cotton linear density and maturity from airflow data

Abstract

From Lord's data on solid fibers, we suggest a new equation for linking airflow data with fiber linear density, specific volume, and the form factor. We attempt to apply this equation to Lord's data on 44 cottons. Our results show that a single equation is sufficient to explain the airflow rates through plugs of different natural and man-made fibers, over a small range of plug porosity and specific volume and over a wider range of form factor and linear density. The specific volume is not the same for all cottons, and a precise knowledge of it is required for accurate estimates of maturity. Instruments used for airflow measurements should be capable of giving reliable and reproducible readings. We will conduct further precise experimental work on airflow through plugs made from "pedigreed" man-made fibers (solid as well as hollow) with widely different values of specific gravity, form factor, and linear density in order to standardize the principles of the method prior to testing cotton.