POLYFLOW 3.11 Extends Its Complex Physics

By DE Editors

The newest version of the software for the analysis of polymer processing and glass forming from ANSYS, Inc. (Canonsburg, PA; ansys.com) offers multiple enhancements for a more user-friendly experience.

POLYFLOW 3.11 extends the library of viscoelastic models by adding the Leonov viscoelastic model and a simplified viscoelastic model for extrusion.

For thermoforming and blow-molding applications, this new version offers a simple thermo-mechanical stress capability to calculate deformations during cooling. Updates to the 3D adaptive meshing technique enhance the simulation of using glass.

The Leonov model has the ability to reproduce the complexity of the viscoelastic behavior, and the simplified viscoelastic model for extrusion is able to reproduce large die swell typical of viscoelastic flow using less memory than traditional models.

Two new options in polymer thermoforming and blow molding calculate deformation and stress after cooling. First, the software creates a 3D geometry out of the deformed shell and the calculated thickness, which then can be used for advanced shrinkage and warpage simulation with structural codes. Second, the user can conduct simple thermomechanical stress and deformation analyses directly in POLYFLOW.

Visit ansys.com for more information about POLYFLOW 3.11.