Polymers reinforced with discontinuous fibers have wide-ranging important applications such as
in automotive parts and business machines. The flow that occurs during processing of these
materials creates a complex but repeatable pattern of fiber orientation which plays a key role
in achieving the desirable mechanical properties these materials can offer. The primary focus
of this unique book is fiber orientation: how to describe it mathematically how to measure it
experimentally and how to predict it using the models used in commercial software. It also
covers the description measurement and modeling of fiber length another important variable
that can be predicted by commercial software. The connection between fiber orientation and
mechanical properties is explained as is the relationship between fiber orientation and
rheological properties in the fluid state. Fundamentals of Fiber Orientation focuses on the
models used in current engineering practice but also discusses a few topics from current
research that could transition to engineering practice soon. Aimed at principally practicing
engineers this book teaches readers the fundamentals they need to understand data set up
meaningful simulations and interpret results. Engineering graduate students who are embarking
on research in this area will also find this book to be a valuable resource. Contents:
Introduction Describing Fiber Orientation and Fiber Length Measuring Fiber Orientation and
Length Flow Orientation of Single Fibers Flow Orientation of Groups of Fibers Suspension
Rheology and Flow-Orientation Coupling Fiber Length Degradation during Processing Mechanical
Properties and Orientation Current and Future Trends Appendices
