Fiber Transfer Dynamics in revolving Flat Carding Machines

This study develops a theoretical and numerical framework for fiber transfer in carding machines, focusing on how fibers move between the lickerin, cylinder, and doffer. Unlike earlier assumptions of centrifugal dominance, the paper shows that aerodynamic forces drive fiber transfer, with strong transfer occurring from lickerin to cylinder and weaker transfer from cylinder to doffer due to hook geometry and slower surface speeds. The model incorporates fiber properties (diameter, modulus, density), machine geometry (cylinder radius, speeds), and flow parameters (air velocity, Reynolds number, drag coefficient). Numerical analysis demonstrates how drag, tension, turbulence, and stagnation points influence fiber alignment and transfer efficiency. The findings highlight that drag forces outweigh elastic properties in determining fiber behavior, offering insights for optimizing machine design and process control.