Fundamentals of Fiber Orientation

Polymers reinforced with discontinuous fibers have a wide range of important applications such as in automotive parts and business machines. The flow that occurs during processing of these materials creates a complex but repeatable pattern of fiber orientation, which plays a key role in achieving the desirable mechanical properties these materials can offer. The primary focus of this unique book is fi ber orientation: how to describe it mathematically, how to measure it experimentally, and how to predict it using models available in commercial software. The book also covers the description, measurement, and modeling of fiber length, another important variable that can be predicted by commercial software. The connection between fiber orientation and mechanical properties is explained, as is the relationship between fiber orientation and rheological properties in the fluid state. “Fundamentals of Fiber Orientation” focuses on the models used in current engineering practice, but also discusses topics from current research that could transition to engineering practice soon. For practicing engineers, this book teaches the fundamentals needed to understand data, set up meaningful simulations, and interpret results. The book provides a thorough, organized overview of the field, and will also be a valuable resource to those undertaking research in this area. Free MATLAB software implementing the models discussed in the book is provided online. Contents: Introduction Describing Fiber Orientation and Fiber Length Measuring Fiber Orientation and Length Flow Orientation of Single Fibers Flow Orientation of Groups of Fibers Suspension Rheology and Flow-Orientation Coupling Fiber Length Degradation during Processing Mechanical Properties and Orientation Current and Future Trends Appendices