COMPUTER SIMULATION-BASED STRENGTH PREDICTION METHOD FOR INJECTION MOLDED GFRTP PRODUCTS

Abstract

A method to predict the static strength of injection-molded products made from Glass Short-fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics (GFRTP) was examined via experiments as well as numerical simulations. Resin-flow analysis was performed to determine fiber orientations through use of the RSC model based on the observations performed using by means of X-ray computed tomography. Molten-resin viscosity was calculated by determining pressure loss in the resin when flowing into the mold. Structural analysis was performed, using the homogenization method, to calculate static mechanical properties of GFRTP products. Determination accuracy of fiber orientations was observed to have been improved upon application of experimentally obtained resin viscosity. Calculation results of structural analysis was also observed to be changed through reflection the fiber state. Further, a difference in calculated stress states was observed via examination of the influence of voids generated in the fiber and matrix.