Finite Element Analysis Applied To Polymer Processing

Authored by a respected scientist with a growing international reputation this is a self-contained text that can be used by the beginners and the experts alike, to study the basic aspects of finite element modelling. It provides a sound physical understanding of the basis on which mathematical models of polymer processes are built. * Written from a chemical engineering rather then a mathematical perspective it enables the reader to get up to speed in a relatively short time * Provides the 'parts and tools' required to assemble finite element models, applicable to situations that arise under realistic conditions * Discusses and compares specific finite element schemes that provide the most reliable and robust numerical solution procedures for polymer processing models * Practical examples give a wide ranging view of the application of finite element analysis to industrial problems * Describes non-Newtonian fluid mechanics equations in a self-contained, concise and clear manner * Includes clear and simple readily compiled code to model simple problems that can be extended to solve more complex polymer processing problems This book makes the subject accessible to a wide audience ranging from senior under-graduate to post-graduate engineering students, as well as, researchers and practising engineers involved in polymer industry.

Large, fast, digital computers have been widely used in engineering practice and their use has had a large impact in many fields. Polymer processing is no exception, and there is already a substantial amount of literature describing ways in which processes can be analysed, designed or controlled using the potentialities of modern computers. The emphasis given varies with the application, and most authors tend to quote the results of their calculations rather than describing in any detail the way the calculations were undertaken or the difficulties experienced in carrying them out. We aim to give here as useful and connected an account as we can of a wide class of applications, for the benefit of scientists and engineers who find themselves working on polymer processing problems and feel the need to undertake such calculations. The major application we have in mind is the simulation of the dynamics ofthe various physical phenomena which arise in a polymer process treated as a complex engineering system. This requires that the system be reasonably well represented by a limited number of relatively simple subprocesses whose connections can be clearly identified, that the domi nant physical effects relevant to each subprocess can be well defined in a suitable mathematical form and that the sets of equations and boundary conditions developed to describe the whole system can be successfully discretised and solved numerically.

The use of computers to numerically analyse polymer processing was first reported as for back as the 1950's, and the first commercial software became available around 20 years ago. Much research has been carried out since that time, and this report aims to summarise contemporary trends in both commercial and academic research and development. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database provides useful references for further reading.

Finite Element Analysis of Polymers and its Composites offers up-to-date and significant findings on the finite element analysis of polymers and its composite materials. It is important to point out, that to date, there are no books that have been published in this concept. Thus, academicians, researchers, scientists, engineers, and students in the similar field will benefit from this highly application-oriented book. This book summarizes the experimental, mathematical and numerical analysis of polymers and its composite materials through finite element method. It provides detailed and comprehensive information on mechanical properties, fatigue and creep behaviour, thermal behaviour, vibrational analysis, testing methods and their modeling techniques. In addition, this book lists the main industrial sectors in which polymers and its composite materials simulation is used, and their gains from it, including aeronautics, medical, aerospace, automotive, naval, energy, civil, sports, manufacturing and even electronics. Expands knowledge about the finite element analysis of polymers and composite materials to broaden application range Presents an extensive survey of recent developments in research Offers advancements of finite element analysis of polymers and composite materials Written by leading experts in the field Provides cutting-edge, up-to-date research on the characterization, analysis, and modeling of polymeric composite materials