A method for approximate prediction of extrudate swell

The extrudate swell problem is modeled as the stratified flow of two Newtonian isothermal fluids with differing viscosities. If the viscosity of the thin outer layer is the greater of the two, then enhanced swelling relative to the case of equal viscosity is observed. By suitable selection of the the viscosity ratio, this model can be used to represent thermal, shear-thinning, and elastic effects in extrusion. The stratifled flow problem is solved using an efficient boundary element method. The model then provides a means of studying and predicting complex geometrical effects in profile extrusion without the burden of a full viscoelastic solution, which may yield a practical aid to the die design process.