Numerical investigation of continuous fiber glass drawing

Abstract

The physics of glass fiber drawing is studied through numerical simulations and experimental measurements, with a focus on the fluid region, from the hole tip at the bushing plate to the glass transition point. The influence of the different heat transfer mechanisms is investigated to understand their respective impact on fiberization, such as fiber radius attenuation and internal stresses. Numerical predictions are then compared to experimental data measurements obtained from a dedicated fiberization unit. Numerical and experimental results show a good agreement. In particular, it is found that the ambient air temperature and the radiation have an important impact on the fiber cooling rate. Moreover, for a prescribed fiber diameter, internal stresses are lower when operating at a higher temperature.