FIBER GROWTH IN TUBULAR FLOW

Data are presented for the seeded growth of polyethylene fibers from solutions undergoing laminar flow in tubular geometry. Radial growth rates are reported for solutions of high and low molecular weight fractions for the second stage fiber thickening process which occurs in the tube entrance region. Results are also shown for high molecular weight growth from fiberglass seeds which indicate an enhanced growth rate at elevated temperatures. A two‐stage growth pattern documented earlier for the high molecular weight fraction is shown to occur for the lower molecular weight material. The Discussion includes an analysis for the tapered fiber geometry in the second stage of growth and calculations for stress‐induced, diffusion‐limited growth in the first stage downstream from the tube entrance. Copyright © 1979 Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc.