Analysis of calendering process of non-isothermal flow of non-Newtonian fluid: A perturbative and numerical study

Abstract

This paper numerically solves the third-order fluid flow during calendering with slip condition at the rolls. The basic equations are transformed into dimensionless forms and simplified by adopting LAT (Lubrication Approximation Theory). The flow equations are then solved with the perturbation technique. Whereas a finite difference scheme along with TDMA (Tridiagonal Matrix Algorithm) is implemented to solve the energy equation. Engineering parameters like power input, exit distance, and roll separating force are computed. The impact of slip parameter $\alpha$ and material parameter $\beta$ on the velocity profile, pressure, pressure gradient, temperature profile, power input, detachment point, and roll separating force is portrayed through graphs and discussed. It is noticed that both the parameters $\alpha$ and $\beta$ exhibit opposite behaviors and give insight to the mechanisms that control the physical and engineering parameters.