Simulation-Driven Mold Geometry Optimization for Corrugated Pipes - Maximum Strength with Minimum Material Input
Sprache des Vortragstitels:
Englisch
Original Tagungtitel:
37th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society
Sprache des Tagungstitel:
Englisch
Original Kurzfassung:
Corrugated pipes are light in weight, but strong and flexible with considerably lower material demand compared
to rigid pipes. The mechanical properties are mainly determined by the wall thickness distribution that is majorly governed
by the mold geometry and the blowing parameters. Prediction of the wall-thickness distribution and subsequently
achievable mechanical performance are one of the most critical aspects when designing a corrugated pipeline. Due to the
scarcity of resources and cost pressure, material savings are becoming increasingly important. It is therefore desirable to
produce a corrugated pipe with a minimal use of material that also meets the standards and requirements of the customers.
To address these issues, first multi-dimensional regression models for predicting the wall thickness distribution in
corrugated pipes as function of the mold geometry and initial parison thickness were developed via symbolic regression
modelling based on genetic programming. These models are based on a parametrically driven numerical blow molding
simulation study. To ensure the reliability and performance of the created pipe geometry, the next step was to perform a
finite element mechanical analysis and evaluate the ring stiffness of the pipe as an important indicator of pipe stability. The
obtained simulation results provide a correlation model between the mold geometry and the mechanical strength of the
corrugated pipe. These results will help to develop guidelines for producing a lightweight corrugated pipe that has the
required mechanical performance with minimal material need.