Elastic Calculation of Residual Stresses in Injection Molding

Abstract
A calculation of residual stresses in injection molding using a 2-D description of the geometry is presented. The polymer follows an elastic behavior law. The thermal shrinkage and the frozen-in pressure when a layer solidifies are taken into account. A calculation of the pressure in the liquid areas after the gate is frozen is presented. A simplified mold deformation model is introduced and its influence on residual stresses is shown. Results are presented for a polystyrene injected in a square plaque.