Validating injection stretch-blow molding simulation through free blow trials

G. H. Menary, C. W. Tan, C. G. Armstrong, Y. Salomeia, M. Picard, N. Billon, E. M.A. Harkin-Jones

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A 2D isothermal finite element simulation of the injection stretch-blow molding (ISBM) process for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers has been developed through the commercial finite element package ABAQUS/ standard. In this work, the blowing air to inflate the PET preform was modeled through two different approaches: a direct pressure input (as measured in the blowing machine) and a constant mass flow rate input (based on a pressure-volume-time relationship). The results from these two approaches were validated against free blow and free stretch-blow experiments, which were instrumented and monitored through highspeed video. Results show that simulation using a constant mass flow rate approach gave a better prediction of volume vs. time curve and preform shape evolution when compared with the direct pressure approach and hence is more appropriate in modeling the preblowing stage in the injection stretch-blow molding process.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1047-1057
Number of pages11
JournalPolymer Engineering and Science
Volume50
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 1 May 2010

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