The Use of A 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation fn the Design of an Optical Ribbon Coating Applicator

摘要

In this paper, a method is presented that utilizes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as a tool for screening potential experimental parameters and their levels. The example used to demonstrate this method is a hypothetical coating applicator used in the manufacture of optical fiber ribbon. The objective of this work is to calculate the relative effect of various applicator geometric parameters and coating process parameters on the minimum coating thickness within the ribbon. Three geometric and two process parameters are investigated. These parameters are: applicator land length, taper angle, taper length, applicator wall temperature, and coating inlet pressure. Using two 8 run fully factorial experimental designs, it was determined that the levels chosen for the applicator temperature have the greatest effect on the minimum coating thickness. Although the use of CFD provides insight into this coating example, it cannot replace proper experimental design and execution. The use of CFD allows a process designer to screen a number of potential experimental parameters without consuming any raw materials or process line time. The use of this tool is justified if the insight gained from CFD allows the process designer to reduce the cost of an experiment through the proper selection of parameters and their levels.