Simulation and Modeling of Microfibrous Web Formation in Melt Blowing

A novel method to predict accurately the formation of fibrous webs in the meltblowing process, is developed. When an image analysis technique is combined with the Fluent software, the fiber spatial position and consequent landing position on the moving collection screen are predicted. The results include the prediction of fiber deposition patterns in the resulting fibrous web. In addition, to verify the prediction quantitatively, the basis weight distribution and the variation coefficient of the basis weight for. both the predicted and experimental fibrous webs are investigated. Comparison of the prediction with the experimental data suggests that the method captures the primary trends rather accurately, not only for the single-orifice experiment but also for commercial multiple-orifice production.