Analysis of nets with hexagonal mesh using triangular elements

The calculation of net shapes is achieved using the nite element method. A triangular element is developed for the modelling of the net. The main hypotheses are that the strain in each triangular element is constant, that the hexagonal meshes have three directions of twine, and that the twines are elastic. The forces due to the tension in twines are described and calculated by a direct method. The results of the model based on such triangular elements are provided. The comparison with a model where each twine is described as an elastic bar, is quite good