Enhancing Drafter Performance in Spunbonding of Polymeric Fibers via Airflow Simulation
Behrang Mohajer, Mohamad Kheradmandkeysomi, Chul B. Park, Markus Bussmann
TL;DR
This paper uses advanced simulations to improve the design of spunbonding drafters, leading to better fiber quality and reduced breakage.
Contribution
The study introduces a simulation-driven optimization framework for drafter design, revealing a new 'braking effect' in airflow.
Findings
CFD simulations identified a 'braking effect' caused by adverse flow structures that limit fiber drawability.
Optimized drafter designs reduced fiber breakage and improved drawing stability for PP and HDPE fibers.
Geometry modifications enhanced shear drag, flow uniformity, and reduced air pressure demand.
Abstract
Spunbonding drafters play a decisive role in determining fiber attenuation, morphology, and final nonwoven quality; however, their internal airflow behavior remains poorly characterized due to limited physical accessibility and historically empirical design practices. This work employs high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to systematically resolve the airflow field inside a laboratory-scale drafter and to quantify the impact of geometry on fiber drawing conditions. The simulations reveal a previously unreported “braking effect,” where adverse flow structures reduce effective shear drag, limit drawability, and increase the likelihood of fiber breakage. Parametric virtual experimentation across seven geometric variables demonstrates that the drafter configuration strongly governs shear distribution, flow uniformity, and energy consumption. Using a performance-oriented…
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Taxonomy
TopicsTextile materials and evaluations · Polymer Foaming and Composites · Composite Material Mechanics