Finite element and automatic remeshing methods for the simulation of complex blow molded polymer components

Abstract : This paper presents a three dimensional finite element model of the extrusion blow molding process. The code Tform3 has the following characteristics: membrane formulation, linear triangle elements, updated Lagrangian implicit formulation, viscoelastic differential constitutive equations. The paper presents a brief recall of the formulation and then addresses three key issues of the simulation: automatic identification of constitutive equation parameters, automatic remeshing, coupling between gas pressure and inflation. An example of application to the extrusion blow molding of a bottle is presented.