The performance of Double Convected Pom-Pom (DCPP) model in predicting contraction flow was examined by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. Both the velocities at the centerline and the flow patterns were investigated experimentally and numerically for low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). Comparison between predicted velocity and experimental velocity showed that the DCPP model was able to quantitatively predict the velocity of HDPE in contraction flow while only qualitative agreement was observed for LDPE. It was found that for both polyethylenes the absolute velocity discrepancy increased with the rise of flow rate. The relative velocity discrepancy of both polyethylene melts did not change much when increasing the flow rate of the melts. The flow patterns matched well for LDPE, but for HDPE numerical simulation predicted recirculation at the re-entrant corner which did not exist in experiment. (c) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers