This paper on "Design and Optimisation of Calibrators for Thermoplastics Profile Extrusion" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Summary

In the present work a fully 3D model describing the steady state heat transfer in a calibrator and extruded polymer has been developed. This model is based on a cell vertex finite volume approach with appropriate boundary conditions for the interface and cooling channels. This model is used to evaluate the operating and geometric parameters which most affect the design of calibrators. The design criteria is based upon a objective function defined in terms of cost, quality and productivity, being the last two parameters those with immediate interest on this work. In this way, the operational and geometrical variables involved can be selected according to their importance in order to reduce their number which must be reasonably considered in genetic algorithms for optimisation. From the analysis carried out, it can be concluded that the water temperature has the largest effect on both criteria defined.