A demonstrator for the experimental assessment of the through-process modeling of injection-molded parts made of short-fiber-reinforced polymers: An example illustrating the greater reliability of results from structural calculations using an advanced design approach and correct anisotropic characterization of the materials

摘要

Through-process modeling of injection-molded parts is nowadays the industry standard approach to the structural analysis of parts made of short-fiber-reinforced polymers. The designer has to face challenging tasks, in order to conduct accurate and reliable analyses. Complex geometries, weld lines and multiple flows make it difficult to transfer the results of tests conducted on simple specimens to the assessment of the real parts. We have designed a mold for manufacturing a demonstrator, that is, a part of sufficiently complex shape, typical of injection-molded structural parts, permitting the creation of different conditions in terms of fiber orientation, presence of weld lines and multiple injection points. The part is designed to be tested under three- or four-point bending conditions. By simulating the test conditions, the designer can compare experimental results with numerical solutions, in order to better understand the potential of the software packages he is using.