Title: Calibration of a numerical model for heat transfer and fluid flow in an extruder

Authors: Thomas Hofstätter; David Bue Pedersen; Jakob S. Nielsen; Rodrigo Pimentel; Michael Mischkot; Hans Nørgaard Hansen

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, Building 427A, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, Building 427A, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, Building 427A, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark ' Department of Micro- and Nanotechnologies, Technical University of Denmark, Orsteds Pl., Building 345E, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, Building 427A, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, Building 427A, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Abstract: This paper discusses experiments performed in order to validate simulations on a fused deposition modelling (FDM) extruder. The nozzle has been simulated in terms of heat transfer and fluid flow. In order to calibrate and validate these simulations, experiments were performed giving a significant look into the physical behaviour of the nozzle, heating and cooling systems. Experiments on the model were performed at different sub-mm diameters of the extruder. Physical parameters of the model - especially temperature-dependent parameters - were set into analytical relationships in order to receive dynamical parameters. This research sets the foundation for further research within melted extrusion based additive manufacturing. The heating process of the extruder will be described and a note on the material feeding will be given.

Keywords: additive manufacturing technology; fused deposition modelling; FDM extruders; ABS; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; viscosity; simulation; model calibration; numerical modelling; heat transfer; fluid flow; material feeding.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAPIDM.2016.078709

International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing, 2016 Vol.6 No.1, pp.1 - 16

Received: 07 Sep 2015
Accepted: 19 Nov 2015

Published online: 01 Sep 2016 *

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