Comparison Studies of the Flow Characteristics of the Newtonian and Thixotropic Fluids

Abstract

Comparison studies of the effects that the viscosity and the injection speed of the fluids have on the die filling behaviors have been performed via an approach that involves both experiments and simulations. Two different fluids, i.e., thixotropic fluid (paint) and Newtonian fluid (water), were selected as the model fluids to monitor the differences in the rheological behaviors and the associated flow patterns during die filling. According to high-speed photography recorded for the two fluids, in comparison to the Newtonian fluid, the thixotropic fluid flow with higher viscosity proceeded into the die cavity in a more controllable manner while maintaining its free surface. Such experimental observations were then compared with the analytical results obtained from computer simulations.