(429b) Modeling and Simulation of Nonwovens Manufacturing

It is of interest to increase the efficiency of fiber web materials used in products ranging from filters to thermal and acoustic insulators. Particular areas of optimization include throughput increase, final product quality and waste reduction. Both analytical modeling and Computational Fluids Dynamics (CDF) simulations are used as tools to optimize nonwovens manufacturing. Analytical modeling is based on a transport phenomena approach using the momentum, continuity and heat transfer equations. Multiphase CFD simulations using open source software and internally developed codes are used to simulate processing conditions and conduct optimization while accounting for turbulence and polymer rheology. Material properties and process conditions are henceforth tailored in the quest of optimum webs.