Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Non-Newtonian High Viscosity Flow Field in Multi Materials Extrusion Process

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Quchan university of technology

2 Department of mechanical engineering, Faculty of engineering, Quchan university of technology

Abstract

Predicting and reducing of the rubber cross-section dimensions after exiting die channel are of great importance in the design process of extrusion die. In this research, the effect of velocity distribution at the die exit on the rubber dimensions is experimentally and numerically studied with the aid of finite volume method. Three-dimensional simulation of non-Newtonian high-viscosity flow was performed to predict the distribution of velocity and pressure in the die channels. Recognizing the soft and hard materials boundaries in the multi-material cross-sections, the two-phase volume of fluid method is employed. The viscosity of melted rubber flow in the die is calculated by interpolating the experimental data obtained from Rubber Process Analyzer apparatus based on least squares method. A comparison between primary (with nonuniform profile) and modified dies shows more precise dimensions of the modified die. In the narrow portions of the profile in the vicinity of wide regions, because of the impossibility of achieving a uniform velocity distribution, the produced cross-section is smaller than the design value. In addition, optimizing channel geometries by the employed numerical method reduces the pressure loss in the modified die by 40% in comparison with that of the primary designed die.

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Main Subjects


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