Variation in final sheet thickness in case of Sutterby fluid during the calendering process

Abstract

Abstract This paper investigates the isothermal calendering process for Sutterby fluid model. Lubrication approximation theory (LAT) is used for the simplification of the governing equations. The perturbation technique is utilized to find the system solution. The zeroth-order and first-order solutions of velocity profile, sheet thickness, pressure gradient and pressure are obtained while numerical solution of other mechanical quantities is evaluated. The values of the parameters influencing the different flow and engineering parameters are obtained through graphs and in a tabular manner. It is observed that the material parameter mainly controls the sheet thickness, roll separating force, flow rate, power input, exiting sheet thickness, and pressure distribution. It is to be noted from the results that with the increase in the material parameter, the sheet thickness and power input increase while roll separating force decreases.