NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF THE CYCLIC, TRANSIENT MOLD HEAT-TRANSFER IN INJECTION MOLD COOLING PROCESS

In the present study, simulations of mold heat transfer in injection mold cooling system are developed using a dual reciprocity boundary element technique. The cyclic, transient characteristics of mold heat transfer is calculated based on a transient heat conduction model coupled with polymer melt temperature analysis satisfying compatible boundary conditions along cavity surface. The cyclic, transient variations of mold temperatures are clearly illustrated through the analysis of a plate mold. The present method provides a more realistic description of mold temperature variation within the steady cyclic period than that calculated by the modified boundary element method on a cycle-averaged basis. The latter overestimates the temperature variation rate within a steady cycle.