Prediction of fiber orientation distribution in injection molded parts using Moldex3D simulation

• Published in: Polymer composites 2014-04, Vol.35 (4), p.671-680
• Main Authors: Foss, Peter H., Tseng, Huan-Chang, Snawerdt, John, Chang, Yuan-Jung, Yang, Wen-Hsien, Hsu, Chia-Hsiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Automotive components; Composites; Durability; Exact sciences and technology; Fiber orientation; Fibers; Filled plastics; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Glass fiber reinforced plastics; Mathematical models; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Thermoplastic resins
• ISSN: 0272-8397; 1548-0569
• DOI: 10.1002/pc.22710

In the automotive industry, glass‐filled thermoplastics are used in air intake manifolds, radiator tanks, and many other parts. However, widespread application of glass‐filled thermoplastic materials has been limited in many cases by the inability to accurately predict performance and durability. Since a more accurate fiber orientation prediction will lead to more accurate local mechanical property predictions, this work investigated a recently proposed mathematic model of fiber suspension rheology, which considers the anisotropic fiber diffusion and fiber–matrix interaction from a microscopic viewpoint. The new model proved able to predict many details of the fiber orientation distribution and could be applied advantageously as part of the product and manufacturing development processes. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:671–680, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers