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Finite element analysis of polymer melt flow in cable‐covering crossheads
Author(s) -
Fenner R. T.,
Nadiri F.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.760190307
Subject(s) - materials science , finite element method , flow (mathematics) , crosshead , extrusion , newtonian fluid , channel (broadcasting) , composite material , mechanics , structural engineering , engineering , electrical engineering , physics , flexural strength
A finite element method is presented for the analysis of isothermal non‐Newtonian polymer melt flow in narrow channels of complex shape. The particular application considered is flow in cable‐covering crossheads. The geometric flexibility of the finite element method allows a mesh of triangular elements to be constructed to suit the shape of the flow channel. Computed results obtainable from the analysis include the distribution of polymer layer thickness on the finished cable, together with the extrusion pressure required to maintain a given flow rate of melt. Some typical thickness distribution results are presented as an introduction to experimental verification of the method and its application to crosshead design.