Fitt, A.Furusawa, K.Monro, T.Please, C.Richardson, D.2007-08-272007-08-272002Journal of Engineering Mathematics, 2002; 43(2/4):201-2270022-08331573-2703http://hdl.handle.net/2440/37483The original publication can be found at www.springerlink.comMicrostructured optical fibres (i.e. fibres that contain holes) have assumed a high profile in recent years, and given rise to many novel optical devices. The problem of manufacturing such fibres by heating and then drawing a preform is considered for the particularly simple case of annular capillaries. A fluid-mechanics model is constructed using asymptotic analysis based on the small aspect ratio of the capillary. The leading-order equations are then examined in a number of asymptotic limits, many of which give valuable practical information about the control parameters that influence the drawing process. Finally, some comparisons with experiment are performed. For a limited set of experiments where the internal hole is pressurised, the theoretical predictions give qualitatively accurate results. For a much more detailed set of experiments carried out with a high-grade silica glass where no hole pressurisation is used, the relevant asymptotic solution to the governing equations is shown to give predictions that agree remarkably well with experiment.enJournal article002007113510.1023/A:10203286061570001782517000072-s2.0-003669932648606