The article details the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to predict and optimize coating flow. The research offers an overview of different meshing techniques and advises on the use of mesh design and optimization to deliver solutions that are less taxing on the computer and more accurate for the process/product development engineer. The article also provides guidance on using simulation technologies such as CFD and other advanced numerical techniques to significantly reduce cost and shorten cycle times for the scale-up of new products.

The information from the article is based off of Lee Runyon’s “CFD Modeling: Key Fields and Numerical Methods to Understand Before Starting Hopper Modeling” session, which was presented at the 2018 AIMCAL R2R Conference USA. Runyon received an honorable mention in the AIMCAL John Matteucci Award for Technical Excellence in Web Coating for his technical paper.

Read Computational Fluid Dynamics in Slot-Die Modeling Part 1 in the 2019 Quarter 1 issue of Converting Quarterly Magazine.

Read Computational Fluid Dynamics in Slot-Die Modeling Part 2 in the 2019 Quarter 2 issue of Converting Quarterly Magazine.