This is the first of two papers dealing with a new conceptual model of
fiber breakage in carding. This model is a departure from the integra
ted approach previously taken by one of the authors, and instead build
s up the description of fiber length distributions after carding from
the contributions of individual fibers. This paper first develops the
underlying conceptual model of how carding affects individual fibers,
and sets up the basis for a computer simulation model to be developed
from the theoretical model. Fibers are chosen systematically according
to an initial length-area bivariate distribution and are individually
subjected to hypothetical capture by a single carding element. The fi
ber's cross-sectional area along its length is explicitly considered,
including the effects of fiber tenderness. The resulting fiber length-
area distribution is then processed to yield the familiar hauteur and
barbe length after carding distributions.