Fine glass particle-deposition mechanism in the VAD process

Abstract

In order to achieve a high fiber preform production rate, the deposition mechanism in the VAD process has been investigated. The particle-deposition rate was found to depend largely on the Reynolds number value in the flame stream. Based on the flame stream Schlieren observation results, this Reynolds number relationship to the deposition rate can be explained in terms of two fine glass particle-diffusion effects: One is molecular diffusion and the other is eddy diffusion. Finally, by applying such particle-diffusion effects to the actual VAD process, a 4.5 gr/min preform production rate was attained.