Numerical Analysis of Cooling Air Flow in Blown Film Processing

Abstract

Numerical simulation of tubular blown film processing of plastics provides a tool for air ring designs and suitable polymer properties. Although cooling air plays a key role in the process ability and film properties, there have been few research works taking account of the cooling air effect correctly. We have performed a numerical analysis of cooling air flow and heat transfer from the surface of molten polymer using turbulence models, and then we have simulated a tubular blown film process under the thermal boundary conditions estimated from the numerical analysis. The film bubble shape predicted has coincided well with experimental data.