Modelization of the bonding process for a non-woven fabric: analysis and numerics

We are concerned with the study and the research developed at the University of Trento about a problem posed by the company Fater S.p.A., in Italy. Such a problem consists in a possible analysis of the behavior of the bonding process of a non-woven fabric. In particular, the bonding process is not given by the use of some kind of glue, but just by the pressure of two fiber webs through two high-velocity steel-made rollers. The aim of such a process is to produce diaper linings. The research comprised the formulation and theoretical as well as numerical analysis of analytical, mechanical and thermal models for the stress-strain behavior of the non-woven fabric's fibers and for the bonding process with heating effects.