Experimental Measurements of Fiber Threadline Vibrations in the Melt-Blowing Process

The motion of a melt-blown fiber was experimentally measured. After exiting the spinning die, a melt-blown fiber was found to vibrate with frequencies and amplitudes that were functions of the operating conditions (polymer flow rate, polymer temperature, air flow rate, and air temperature). Fiber amplitude was measured with both multiple-image flash photography and laser Doppler velocimetry. Fiber frequency was measured with laser Doppler velocimetry.