Chapter 4: Simulation of reaction injection moulding

Mateus, A., Bartolo, P. and Mitchell, G. (2013) Chapter 4: Simulation of reaction injection moulding. In: Mitchell, G. (ed.) Rheology: theory, properties and practical applications. Physics research and technology. Nova Science Publishers, New York, pp. 95-158. ISBN 9781626189997

Abstract/Summary

Reaction Injection Moulding is a technology that enables the rapid production of complex plastic parts directly from a mixture of two reactive materials of low viscosity. The reactants are mixed in specific quantities and injected into a mould. This process allows large complex parts to be produced without the need for high clamping pressures. This chapter explores the simulation of the complex processes involved in reaction injection moulding. The reaction processes mean that the dynamics of the material in the mould are in constant evolution and an effective model which takes full account of these changing dynamics is introduced and incorporated in to finite element procedures, which are able to provide a complete simulation of the cycle of mould filling and subsequent curing.