Novel approach for modeling the dynamics of fiber breakage in polymer matrix composites during capillary extrusion

Abstract

In this work, a population balance equation (PBE) model is used to predict the evolution of the fiber breakage inthermoplastic polymer/short-fiber composites during capillary extrusion. The least squares spectral method was used to solve theresulting integrodifferential equation. The differences found between the experimental and simulated data were attributed to theselected breakage and redistribution functions. An experimental setup is proposed to find accurate breakage functions for thisproblem. The results indicate that the application of the PBE for such a breakage process could be a powerful tool for the design ofinjection molding molds.