2013: Configuring Crystallinity for Analysis in Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Insight

Issue

You want to run the new crystallinity model in Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Insight 2013, but are unsure of the steps to do so, as well as the requirements for running the analysis.

Solution

For injection molding applications using semi-crystalline thermoplastics materials, accounting for the flow-induced crystallization and morphological changes of these materials can improve the prediction accuracy of cavity pressure decay and the mechanical properties of the molded parts, and subsequent shrinkage and warpage predictions.

Crystallization analysis accounts for the effect of flow on crystallization of the material by relating excess free energy and flow-induced orientation to crystallization kinetics.  In turn, the crystallization of the material influences the flow analysis, including changes in the modeling of viscosity, pvT, solidification, the inclusion of latent heat in the energy equation, and the orientation effect on shrinkage.

The effect on the predicted mechanical properties (including orientation) then influences subsequent shrinkage (and therefore, warpage) predictions.  This is now possible with Dual Domain and Midplane models in Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Insight 2013.  The procedure and requirements are below.

First, the crystallization analysis requires a semi-crystalline material with crystallization morphology properties as highlighted in this image.

The setup is quite straight forward.  See below;

1.) Open the process settings for a Dual Domain or Midplane model

2.) Check the option to enable crystallization on the Flow page