Computational modeling study demonstrates realistic polymer flow during rotational molding, suggesting viable numerical optimization for manufacturing high-pressure hydrogen tank liners.
Key Points
To develop a smoothed particle hydrodynamics numerical model that simulates the thermo-mechanical rotational molding process of thermoplastic polymers used in high-pressure hydrogen tank liners.
Implemented a numerical modeling framework within the open-source DualSPHysics software using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) formulation.
Integrated experimental thermal and rheological properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to simulate powder heating, melting, fluid flow, and solidification under biaxial rotation.
Successfully modeled the complex free-surface dynamics and phase transitions inherent to rotational molding without mesh distortion issues.
Enabled detailed tracking of the progressive molding process to evaluate the influence of varying thermal and mechanical operational parameters on final part formation.