Straightening of Crimped and Hooked Fibers in Converging Transport Ducts: Computational Modeling

A two-dimensional dynamics model for the motion of fibers in an accelerating laminar air flow is presented. Nonlinear model equations for each fiber include effects of inertia, air drag, and flexural rigidity. This rigidity, or stiffness, acts in such a way that a curled or hooked fiber resists being straightened. Randomly distributed fiber crimps at the inlet can be preferentially straightened as the fibers are transported in two converging ducts. Statistical measures of straightening are provided.