Three-dimensional filling and post-filling simulation of polymer injectionmolding

This paper presents a finite element solution algorithm to solve polymer in jection molding problems. The methodology solves the momentum, mass and ene rgy conservation equations in three-dimensions. Packing and cooling stages of the injection molding process are modeled by considering compressibility effects. The procedure is aimed at processes in which three-dimensional ef fects are important. The method is also shown to be effective for thin part s. The performance of the proposed approach is measured on the injection of a plate for which experimental data are available. The procedure is also a pplied to a thick 3D part. The method results in accurate solutions and it is a useful tool to quantify, the material behavior on cases otherwise diff icult to investigate.