Abstract
This study addresses the limitations of static visualization by developing a kinetic model for Jiaxie printing blocks. Rather than merely reproducing superficial forms, the model simulates the dynamic processes of dye spread and fabric coloration using particle systems and uptake kinetics, thereby revealing the underlying mechanism concealed within the blocks. Through computational experiments and quantitative analysis, the study corrects a long-held empirical belief—that tunnels primarily improve dyeing evenness—by demonstrating that their actual function is to shorten saturation time, thereby reducing the probability of unevenness under fixed processing durations. By defining a contribution coefficient and systematically disabling individual tunnels, the model further reveals a negative correlation between tunnel contribution and regional accessibility: tunnels in less accessible areas contribute more significantly to process efficiency. These findings transform tacit knowledge into explicit, visualizable principles, offering a new paradigm for the interpretation and dissemination of operational logic inherent to heritage assets.
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This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51803185).
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Tao, C., Yin, M. & Hong, X. A kinetic replica for heritage Jiaxie printing blocks. npj Herit. Sci. (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-026-02553-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-026-02553-0
