Modeling of the Hydroentanglement Process

Mechanical performance of hydroentangled nonwovens is determined by the degree of the fiber entanglement, which depends on parameters of the fibers, fiberweb, forming surface, water jet and the process speed. This paper develops a computational fluid dynamics model of the hydroentanglement process. Extensive comparison with experimental data showed that the degree of fiber entanglement is linearly related to flow vorticity in the fiberweb, which is induced by impinging water jets. The fiberweb is modeled as a porous material of uniform porosity and the actual geometry of forming wires is accounted for in the model. Simulation results are compared with experimental data for a Perfojet ® sleeve and four woven forming surfaces. Additionally, the model is used to predict the effect of fiberweb thickness on the degree of fiber entanglement for different forming surfaces.