Abstract
This research applies Cartesian Grid Method along with Collocated Cell-Centered Finite Volume Method to simulate polymer extrusion process. A automated Cartesian Grid generation program is developed. Users only have to input STL format geometry and mesh parameters to generate Cartesian Grid. The outline of the grid gets closer to actual geometry as the level of Cartesian Grid grows. The saw-toothed geometric boundary of Cartesian Grid has bad influences to the simulation convergence. However, under the circumstances that grid is smooth (i.e. without the saw-tooth boundary), the simulation converges better as the grid level increases. This study uses Cartesian Grid to simulate polymer flow in a fishtail flat extrusion die, reasonable velocity, pressure, temperature and viscosity profile is obtained. This research proves that Cartesian Grid method, a fast and fully automated mesh generation method, has practical application in the CAE analysis of polymer processes.