Computational Analysis Of Polymer Processing

Large, fast, digital computers have been widely used in engineering practice and their use has had a large impact in many fields. Polymer processing is no exception, and there is already a substantial amount of literature describing ways in which processes can be analysed, designed or controlled using the potentialities of modern computers. The emphasis given varies with the application, and most authors tend to quote the results of their calculations rather than describing in any detail the way the calculations were undertaken or the difficulties experienced in carrying them out. We aim to give here as useful and connected an account as we can of a wide class of applications, for the benefit of scientists and engineers who find themselves working on polymer processing problems and feel the need to undertake such calculations. The major application we have in mind is the simulation of the dynamics ofthe various physical phenomena which arise in a polymer process treated as a complex engineering system. This requires that the system be reasonably well represented by a limited number of relatively simple subprocesses whose connections can be clearly identified, that the domi nant physical effects relevant to each subprocess can be well defined in a suitable mathematical form and that the sets of equations and boundary conditions developed to describe the whole system can be successfully discretised and solved numerically.

The use of computers to numerically analyse polymer processing was first reported as for back as the 1950's, and the first commercial software became available around 20 years ago. Much research has been carried out since that time, and this report aims to summarise contemporary trends in both commercial and academic research and development. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database provides useful references for further reading.

Most of the shaping in the manufacture of polymeric objects is carried out in the melt state, as it is a substantial part of the physical property development. Melt processing involves an interplay between fluid mechanics and heat transfer in rheologically complex liquids, and taken as a whole it is a nice example of the importance of coupled transport processes. This book is on the underlying foundations of polymer melt processing, which can be derived from relatively straightforward ideas in fluid mechanics and heat transfer; the level is that of an advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate course, and the material can serve as the text for a course in polymer processing or for a second course in transport processes.

Thoroughly revised edition of the classic text on polymer processing The Second Edition brings the classic text on polymer processing thoroughly up to date with the latest fundamental developments in polymer processing, while retaining the critically acclaimed approach of the First Edition. Readers are provided with the complete panorama of polymer processing, starting with fundamental concepts through the latest current industry practices and future directions. All the chapters have been revised and updated, and four new chapters have been added to introduce the latest developments. Readers familiar with the First Edition will discover a host of new material, including: * Blend and alloy microstructuring * Twin screw-based melting and chaotic mixing mechanisms * Reactive processing * Devolatilization--theory, mechanisms, and industrial practice * Compounding--theory and industrial practice * The increasingly important role of computational fluid mechanics * A systematic approach to machine configuration design The Second Edition expands on the unique approach that distinguishes it from comparative texts. Rather than focus on specific processing methods, the authors assert that polymers have a similar experience in any processing machine and that these experiences can be described by a set of elementary processing steps that prepare the polymer for any of the shaping methods. On the other hand, the authors do emphasize the unique features of particular polymer processing methods and machines, including the particular elementary step and shaping mechanisms and geometrical solutions. Replete with problem sets and a solutions manual for instructors, this textbook is recommended for undergraduate and graduate students in chemical engineering and polymer and materials engineering and science. It will also prove invaluable for industry professionals as a fundamental polymer processing analysis and synthesis reference.

This book presents recent advances in computational methods for polymers. It covers multiscale modeling of polymers, polymerization reactions, and polymerization processes as well as control, monitoring, and estimation methods applied to polymerization processes. It presents theoretical insights gained from multiscale modeling validated with exprimental measurements. The book consolidates new computational tools and methods developed by academic researchers in this area and presents them systematically. The book is useful for graduate students, researchers, and process engineers and managers.

"Describes the latest techniques and real-life applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and heat transfer in aeronautics, materials processing and manufacturing, electronic cooling, and environmental control. Includes new material from experienced researchers in the field. Complete with detailed equations for fluid flow and heat transfer."

Mathematical modeling and computer simulation are useful tools for improving materials processing. While courses in materials processing have covered modeling, they have been devoted to one particular class of materials--polymers, metals, or ceramics. This text offers a new approach, presenting an integrated treatment of metallic and non-metallic materials. The authors show that a common base of knowledge--specifically, the fundamentals of heat transfer and fluid mechanics--unifies these seemingly disparate areas. They emphasize understanding basic physical phenomena and knowing how to include them in a model. The book also includes selected numerical methods, a wealth of practical, realistic examples, and homework exercises.