SBIR Phase I: Three-Dimensional Simulation of Polymer Coextrusion using a Fixed Finite Element Mesh

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This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project involves development of asoftware for an accurate simulation of polymer co-extrusion. The new co-extrusion software will use a unique proprietary constitutive theory, which can accurately capture the complex rheological behavior of polymers. The three-dimensional mesh of tetrahedral finite elements in the co-extrusion system will remain unaltered during the co-extrusion simulation. Instead of requiring the interface between different polymers to match with finite element boundaries, the interface will be allowed to cut through the finite elements. The new software will provide design engineers as well as engineering students a useful tool to perform numerical experiments for optimization of co-extrusion systems. Many different types of companies, including plastic material suppliers, plastic part manufacturers and extrusion equipment manufacturers, will be able to cut cost and increase revenues using this software.