Modeling of the dynamic of polymer-glass fibers

Many high performance products are made based on reinforced materials by means of thermoplastic injection molding processes. For example, electronic devices and connectors used for computers and automobile motors control systems are usually injected with a blend of polyesters with glass fibers, to reduce walls thickness and weight. Performance for all fiber reinforced products depends mainly on the final fibers aspect ratio and orientation. The prediction of the evolution of the topology of the fibers dur ing the molding process is a critical aspect of the process for obtaining an optimal final product. The main objective of this project proposal is to study the dynamic of fibers rupture and orientation during the flow of polymer-glass fiber composites in to actual injection molds. The modeling and simulation activities planned in this research proposal will complement my experimental activities at the Research Institute of Material Science and Technology, Argentina. The main activity in this project will consist on developing a statistical framework for the description of the evolution of the population of fibers. The population balance model is intended to capture the behavior of complex systems constituted by a large number of entities, i.e. the populat ion of fibers. The models will be validated using the available experimental data. The main outcome of the project will be a numerical model that could predict: the final aspect ratio distribution of the fibers, and the orientation of the fibers in the en d of channel. These two aspects will be correlated for different injection rates, changes in the injection channel geometry, temperature and for different aspect ratio distributions of fibers. The final numerical model could provide guidelines for the opt imal design of injection molding systems.