Numerically Predicted Fiber Orientations in Dilute Suspensions,
Abstract
Owing to the lack of analytical and/or numerical tools with which to properly investigate the resulting fiber orientations in a filled, low Reynold's number flow field, a numerical model has been developed to predict such phenomena. The motivation for such a study is evident from the fact that the mechanical properties of a molded two-phase component are inherently determined by the fiber orientations. Accurately predicting the orientations of the fibers from the rheological kinematics enhances the feasibility of designing a mold with the aid of the computer. Fiber orientations in complex geometry flows of dilute suspensions are solved in a two-part fashion. The initial step includes the numerical solution of the steady-state fluid mechanics problem via the finite element method for either Newtonian or power law constitutive assumptions. The application of Jeffery's theory in conjunction with the discretized representation of the velocity field subsequently determines the fiber orientations. Numerically predicted fiber orientations have been verified with existing analytical solutions of a two-dimensional channel flow for Newtonian and power law fluids. Application of the fiber orientation model to the expansion flow problem has yielded results that correspond qualitatively to those found empirically. A complete set of computer graphics routines has been incorporated with the analysis to provide easy data interpretation. (AN)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA302394
Entities
People
- Richard C. Givler
Organizations
- University of Delaware