A micro-polar theory for binary media with application to phase-transitional flow of fiber suspensions

Abstract

A phase-transitional flow takes place during the filling stage by injection molding of short-fiber reinforced thermoplastics. The mechanical properties of the final product are highly dependent on the flow-induced distribution and orientation of particles. Therefore, modelling of the flow which allows to predict the formation of fiber microstructure is of particular importance for analysis and design of load bearing components. The aim of this paper is a discussion of existing models which characterize the behavior of fiber suspensions as well as the derivation of a model which treats the filling process as a phase-transitional flow of a binary medium consisting of fluid particles (liquid constituent) and immersed particles-fibers (solid-liquid constituent). The particle density and the mass density are considered as independent functions in order to account for the phenomenon of sticking of fluid particles to fibers. The liquid constituent is treated as a non-polar viscous fluid, but with a non-symmetric stress tensor. The state of the solid-liquid constituent is described by the antisymmetric stress tensor and the antisymmetric moment stress tensor. The forces of viscous friction between the constituents are taken into account. The equations of motion are formulated for open physical systems in order to consider the phenomenon of sticking. The chemical potential is introduced based on the reduced energy balance equation. The second law of thermodynamics is formulated by means of two inequalities under the assumption that the constituents may have different temperatures. In order to take into account the phase transitions of the liquid-solid type which take place during the flow process a model of compressible fluid and a constitutive equation for the pressure are proposed. Finally, the set of governing equations which should be solved numerically in order to simulate the filling process are summarized. The special cases of these equations are discussed by introduction of restricting assumptions.