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Three‐dimensional finite element simulation of thermoforming
Author(s) -
Nied H. F.,
Taylor C. A.,
Delorenzi H. G.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.760302009
Subject(s) - thermoforming , finite element method , nonlinear system , mold , materials science , lagrangian , mechanical engineering , mechanics , structural engineering , composite material , mathematics , engineering , physics , quantum mechanics
The development of a finite element program specifically designed to simulate thermoforming in complex three‐dimensional geometries is described. The large strain finite element model developed for simulating thermoforming processes is based on a total Lagrangian formulation which results in a nonlinear system of equations that must be solved iteratively. The nonlinear material behavior and contact between the polymer and mold surf aces ieads to additional complications in the numerical solution of the thermoforming simulation problem. In an effort to verify the accuracy of the finite element model developed in this study, analyses are compared with measurements obtained from three‐dimensional three‐formed parts.