An overview of polymer processing modelling

Abstract

Polymer processing modelling offers new opportunities for die or mould optimization. We first present a short state of the art of polymer processing technology, followed by a discussion on how to develop reasonable processing models, some illustrations being given. We then deal with the question of constitutive equations in polymer processing modelling, both for classical thermoplastics and for more sophisticated (fibre reinforced) polymer systems. Finally, we revise flow instabilities that limit processability both in confined flows and in free surface extensional flows.