Three‐dimensional modeling of reaction injection molding. I

In this research a model to simulate both the filling the curing stages of a reaction injection molding (RIM) process in complex three‐dimensional molds is developed. This model can be used to predict not only the temperature and conversion changes with time but also the front position during filling. Using given physical and chemical properties of the RIM system, moldability can be determined in advance. The numerical techniques used in this research include adaptation of the SIMPLE algorithm developed by Patankar for a moving‐front, two‐phase system with non‐negligible inertial effects, and exothermic chemical reaction. The model predictions of temperature and conversion compare favorably with available data on simple two‐dimensional molds. The ability of the model to predict the dynamics of filling in more complicated molds was verified by comparison to mold filling experiments with water and a polyurethane foam.