Abstract
In this chapter we discuss processes involving the stretching of thin sheets of molten or soft solid polymers. The mechanics are modelled on the basis of membrane theory (sheet thickness very small, in particular, small compared with principal radii of curvature of the sheet) and here, as in every published calculation, axial symmetry is assumed. The most significant forces acting on the polymer are boundary tractions and the force arising from any pressure difference across the sheet. Once the problem has grown to the complexity where computer solution of the equations is sought, the incorporation of the less significant forces into the model is straightforward. The influence of gravity may be moderately important and may easily be taken into consideration, as may inertia which is generally insignificant. Surface tension is not likely to be important unless very thin films are being produced, but only requires physical data in order to be incorporated in the model. Air drag likewise requires physical data, probably in the form of a correlation and some empirically determined coefficients.
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© 1983 Applied Science Publishers Ltd
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Petrie, C.J.S. (1983). Film Blowing, Blow Moulding and Thermoforming. In: Pearson, J.R.A., Richardson, S.M. (eds) Computational Analysis of Polymer Processing. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6634-5_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6634-5_7
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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