Flow Analysis of Profile Extrusion by a Modified Cross-sectional Numerical Method

Flow analysis of profile extrusion is essential for design and production of a profile extrusion die. Velocity, pressure, and temperature distribution in an extrusion die are predicted and compared with the experimental results. A two dimensional numerical method is proposed for three dimensional analysis of the flow field within the profile extrusion die by applying a modified cross-sectional numerical method. Since the cross-sectional shape of the die is varied gradually, it is assumed that the pressure is constant within a cross-sectional plane that is perpendicular to the flow direction. With this assumption, the velocity component in the cross-sectional direction is neglected. The exact cross-sectional shape at any position is calculated based on the geometry of standard cross-sections. The momentum and energy equations are solved with proper boundary conditions at a cross-section and then the same calculation is carried out for the next cross-section using the current calculated values. An L-shaped profile extrusion die is produced and employed for experimental investigation using a commercially available polypropylene. Numerical prediction for the varying cross-sectional shape provides better results than the previous studies and is in good agreement with the experimental results.