Author(s)

V. Verleye, A. Couniot & F. Dupret

Abstract

Numerical prediction of fibre orientation in complex injection-moulded parts V. Verleye, A. Couniot, F. Dupret Unite de Mecanique Appliquee, CESAME, Universite Catholique de Louvain, avenue G. Lemaitre 4, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ABSTRACT We present a method for simulating the evolution of a suspension of fibres during the filling of thin injection moulded parts. A different model is used for short and long fibres. Several examples are analysed. INTRODUCTION Developing a model for predicting fibre orientation in injection moulding is a very complex problem. Several physical mechanisms must be taken into account, which are not yet completely understood. The interaction between the fibres and their influence on the flow rheology are generally non-negligible. In addition, injection moulded parts are usually thin, which means that fibres do not move freely and interact with the walls of the cavity (especially at the flow front). An efficient way to describe the rando

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