Modeling Approach to Calculate the Orientation of Liquid Crystal Polymers in a Flow Channel Under Varying Boundary Conditions

Thermotropic liquid crystal polymers comprise rigid chain segments called mesogens. This study presents a modeling approach to simulate the orientation of these mesogens in a flow channel with a rectangular cross section under no slip and wall slip boundary conditions. Rigid rods with finite length and an initial orientation are proposed. The interactions between the velocity field in the flow channel and these rods are modeled to simulate orientation. Moreover, a highly oriented boundary layer can be simulated. Orientation occurs in the flow direction close to the die wall under the no slip condition due to the high shear rate. As the distance from the die wall increases, the orientation decreases. Wall slip effectuates a more uniform orientation and causes a delay in the development of the highly oriented boundary layer. The thickness profile of this layer exhibits a shape that is analogous to that of a root function. To ensure products with high mechanical properties, it is essential to orient the mesogens at a high level in the die during manufacturing. The presented model enables the prediction of orientation in the flow channel. Therefore, this model is a useful tool to design the process in the right way to reach this goal.