Application of Boundary Element Modelling to Soft Nips in Rolling Contact

Numerical models have been used to advance the design, predict the performance and develop ink transfer algorithms for printing and coating processes. One of the most generic and difficult areas to successfully model is the nip region of the press. This paper describes a boundary element method to model the interaction between the fluid and soft elastomeric layer in a soft nip in rolling contact as found in printing and coating systems. Case studies of direct relevance to printing are used to demonstrate the efficiency of the approach and its numerical robustness. They are used to highlight the main system design and process operating parameters for ink transfer in printing press nips.