Simulation of the polymeric fluid flow in the feed distributor of melt blowing process

The polymeric fluid flow in the feed distributor of melt blowing process is simulated using three‐dimensional finite element method. The numerical results are experimentally verified quantitatively and qualitatively using laser Doppler velocimetry and particle image velocimetry respectively. The effects of the distributor's geometric parameters on the uniformity of the transverse flow distribution are investigated. As the manifold angle increases, the flow distribution curve appears to transform gradually from a “hill” shape to a “bone” shape. The uniformity of flow distribution at distributor outlet, especially the fluctuation at the central part, will be improved by increasing the land height. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1570–1574, 2006