Accurate models of fiber orientation dynamics during the processing of polymer-fiber composites are needed for the design work behind important automobile parts. All of the existing models utilize empirical parameters, but a standard method for obtaining them independent of processing does not exist. This study considers non-lubricated squeeze flow through a rectangular channel as a solution. A two-dimensional finite element method simulation of the kinematics and fiber orientation evolution along the centerline of a sample is developed as a first step toward a fully three-dimensional simulation. The model is used to fit to orientation data in a short-fiber-reinforced polymer composite after squeezing. Fiber orientation model parameters obtained in this study do not agree well with those obtained for the same material during startup of simple shear. This is attributed to the vastly different rates at which fibers orient during shearing and extensional flows. A stress model is also used to try to fit to experimental closure force data. Although the model can be tuned to the correct magnitude of the closure force, it does not fully recreate the transient behavior, which is attributed to the lack of any consideration for fiber-fiber interactions.

Advanced macroscopic fiber orientation models depend on a variety of phenomenological parameters. The aim of this work is to identify a fiber orientation model for concentrated short fiber reinforced polymers, which depends on a minimum number of parameters. A sliding plate experiment with repeatable initial conditions and a couette experiment, to cover high strains, are used to define an experimental validation curve. The major fiber orientation models (Folgar and Tucker, nematic, reduced strain closure [RSC], anisotropic rotary diffusion, ARD‐RSC) are fitted to the validation curve. Since a slow evolution can be observed, the RSC model is necessary to fit the measured fiber orientation evolution. The dependency of the RSC model on the initial fiber orientation state and the influence of closure approximations are evaluated. Two validation cases show that the obtained parameters give good results in shear dominant parts, but are not able to predict fiber orientation in other flow regimes accurately.

As American vehicle fuel efficiency requirements have become more stringent due to the CAFE standards, the auto industry has turned to fiber reinforced polymer composites as replacements for metal parts to reduce weight while simultaneously maintaining established safety standards. Furthermore, these composites may be easily processed using established techniques such as injection molding and compression molding. The mechanical properties of these composites are dependent on, among other variables, the orientation of the fibers within the part. Several models have been proposed to correlate fiber orientation with the kinematics of the polymer matrix during processing, each using various strategies to account for fiber interactions and fiber flexing. However, these all require the use of empirical fitting parameters. Previous work has obtained these parameters by fitting to orientation data at a specific location in an injection-molded part. This ties the parameters to the specific mold design used. Obtaining empirical parameters is not a trivial undertaking and adds significant time to the entire mold design process. Considering that new parameters must be obtained any time some aspect of the part or mold is changed, an alternative technique that obtains model parameters independent of the mold design could be advantageous. This paper continues work looking to obtain empirical parameters from rheological tests. During processing, the fiber–polymer suspension is subjected to a complex flow with both shear and extensional behavior. Rather than use a complex flow, this study seeks to isolate and compare the effects of shear and extension on two orientation models. To this end, simple shear and planar extension are employed, and the evolution of orientation from a planar random initial condition is tracked as a function of strain. Simple shear was imparted using a sliding plate rheometer designed and fabricated in-house. A novel rheometer tool was developed and fabricated in-house to impart planar extension using a lubricated squeeze flow technique, where a low-viscosity Newtonian lubricant is applied to the solid boundaries to minimize the effect of shearing due to the no-slip boundary condition. The Folgar–Tucker model with a strain reduction factor is used as a rigid fiber model and compared against a bead–rod model (a semiflexible model) proposed by Ortman. Both models are capable of predicting the data, with the bead–rod model performing slightly better. Orientation occurs at a much faster rate under startup of planar extension and also attains a much higher degree of flow alignment when compared with startup of steady shear.

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This 3D phantom replicates anatomical, CT, and tactile features of brain tissues and tumors and can be used to develop the technical skills required to perform SBB.