Using Computational Fluid Dynamics to Simulate Flow Fields from various Melt Blowing Dies

Abstract

This paper is an investigation of the flow fields generated by dual rectangular jets. Specifically, the jets examined are the same as the common slot dies used in the industrial melt blowing process. In this process, a molten polymer is attenuated by air discharging from dual jets. The velocity and turbulence of these flow fields determine the rate and quality of polymer fiber production. The flow field characteristics can be simulated quickly and efficiently using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). These CFD simulations require the use of an appropriate length scale to describe the flow field. This paper describes how these CFD simulations can be used to compare the flow fields generated by different jet geometries.