Numerical investigation of the temperature influence on the melt predistribution in a spiral mandrel die with different polyolefins
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Christian Hopmann
Abstract
The main goal in the design of spiral mandrel dies for blown film extrusion is to achieve a homogeneous velocity distribution of the plastics melt at the die outlet. However, thermal inhomogeneities in the die can lead to an uneven flow distribution despite a rheologically optimized design of the die. The thermal inhomogeneities are especially dominant in the predistributor of spiral mandrel dies. Against this background, the temperature influence on the melt distribution in the predistributor is investigated for different polyolefins with the help of flow simulations in Polyflow (Ansys). The simulation models the whole predistributor and takes both the heat transfer in the predistributor and the shear heating in the melt into account. Afterwards, simulations are conducted in which the thermal design measures for the homogenization of the flow in the die are applied. With the combination of heating cartridges, brass inserts, and isolating gaps in the die, a significant homogenization of the predistribution can be achieved. Finally, the simulation results are validated in practical tests, whereby a good agreement between simulation and measurement can be observed.
Acknowledgments
The research project 17645 N of the Forschungsvereinigung Kunststoffverarbeitung was sponsored as part of the “Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung und -entwicklung (IGF)” by the German Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi) due to an enactment of the German Bundestag through the AiF. We would like to extend our thanks to all organizations mentioned. We also thank the LyondellBasell GmbH, The Dow Chemical Company, and the Sabic Europe B.V., who provided the materials for the practical examinations.
Conflict of interest statement: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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- Hybrid biocomposites from agricultural residues: mechanical, water absorption and tribological behaviors
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Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Original articles
- Prolonged protein immobilization of biosensor by chemically cross-linked glutaraldehyde on mixed cellulose membrane
- Hybrid biocomposites from agricultural residues: mechanical, water absorption and tribological behaviors
- Effects of nucleation and stereocomplex formation of poly(lactic acid)
- Preparation and characterization of polystyrene-MgAl layered double hydroxide nanocomposites using bulk polymerization
- Fracture behavior and deformation mechanisms of polypropylene/ethylene-propylene-diene blends
- Effect of mechanical properties of metal powder-filled hybrid moulded products
- Ablation and thermo-mechanical tailoring of EPDM rubber using carbon fibers
- Effects of mechanical strength, working temperature and wax lubricant on tribological behavior of polystyrene
- Temperature rise in a verging annular die
- Numerical investigation of the temperature influence on the melt predistribution in a spiral mandrel die with different polyolefins
