The basic problem in doing this type of a heat transfer analysis is determining the conductivity values, the specific heat values and the film coefficients. This was addressed by moulding a specimen with embedded thermocouples to provide a heat history from initial mould loading through cool down. Starting with known published data, the material properties and film coefficients were calibrated for the heat history. Then a second heat was run to obtain the necessary initial conditions needed for input and the necessary data to compare with the results of the FEA using the calibrated boundary conditions.

A user sub-routine was prepared which converts the time-temperature data produced by the FEA into per cent of cure throughout the component. With this information, the initial conditions and the boundary conditions (external heat introduced) can be adjusted to obtain a minimum of 100 per cent cure anywhere in the component without the need for additional heats to be run in manufacturing. Since this is a heat transfer problem and there is no contact or element distortion, the run time is in minutes.

The following video shows results from the analysis.

Video of Rubber Curing Analysis

• Uncompressed AVI file: Per Cent Cure Prediction AVI (1.3 MB)
  
• Compressed ZIP version: Per Cent Cure Prediction ZIP (180 KB)

• Uncompressed AVI file: Cure Simulation Temperature AVI (1.2 MB)
  
• Compressed ZIP version: Cure Simulation Temperature ZIP (148 KB)  
  

Note: the ZIP files download faster than the AVI file. After downloading, you must unzip the file with a program, such as WinZip or PKzip. Then choose "File | Open" from your web browser's menu. Find the unzipped file and open it with the web browser. Click on the image to see the video.

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