Numerical investigation of continuous fiber glass drawing

The physics of glass fiber drawing is studied through numerical simulations
and experimental measurements, with a focus on the fluid region, from the hole tip at the
bushing plate to the glass transition point. The influence of the different heat transfer
mechanisms is investigated to understand their respective impact on fiberization, such as
fiber radius attenuation and internal stresses. Numerical predictions are then compared to
experimental data measurements obtained from a dedicated fiberization unit. Numerical
and experimental results show a good agreement. In particular, it is found that the
ambient air temperature and the radiation have an important impact on the fiber cooling
rate. Moreover, for a prescribed fiber diameter, internal stresses are lower when operating
at a higher temperature.