2D model simulating the hydro-rheological behavior of leather during convective drying

An experimental and numerical study of a two-dimensional spatio-temporal variation of the temperature, moisture content, and mechanical stress during the convective drying process of unsaturated and deformable products (leather) were conducted. The bovine leather sample response under convective drying is described by a mathematical model. The leather sample was modeled by an elastic medium, and the mass, heat, and momentum transfer principles are applied. The numerical results agreed well with the corresponding experimental data. The variation of the internal temperature and moisture content was simulated for different drying conditions. A reduction by 15 °C was noted in the optimum temperature for best product quality when the drying air relative humidity was 20%. The cost to achieve a better quality product was found to be minimized due to the decrease in the optimum temperature. The presented simulation results of the elastic material could be applied to the leather, which will reduce the needed time of exposure for predetermined final water content. The damage of the sample is more likely to occur at the beginning of the drying in the time interval of 300–400 s. According to these simulations, the sample’s face, which is exposed to the drying air, has the highest stress; therefore, the sample’s face is at a high risk of cracking. It is also observed that the risk of damage to the sample corresponding to the maximum level of the stress is higher for the highest drying temperature of 60 °C. The peak of the three thicknesses of leather can be achieved for normal stresses in the interval of 60,000 to 140,000 MPa at around 10,000 s.