Shape optimization of polymer extrusion die by three-dimensional flow simulation

The shape optimization of polymer extrusion die is achieved in this study. It is necessary to analyze the die flow three-dimensionally in order to get practical flow field due to the complex geometry of extrusion die. The die flow is simulated using three-dimensional finite element method. The die geometry is modeled in new way to get appropriate design variables. For the optimization of die geometry, solution strategy of inverse problem is applied. The optimum design of extrusion die is formulated as the quadratic optimization problem. The optimum geometry can be determined automatically from the solution of the quadratic optimization problem by several iterations.