Numerical modelling of induction heated multi-zones rubber vulcanization process

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research a multi-zone rubber vulcanization process heated by induction.

Design/methodology/approach

The design is an abstract setup model with two zones, where the homogene rubber compound is heated with different regimes. Simulation is completely done in ANSYS Mechanical by the finite element method solution. The research is made mostly simulative.

Findings

The results show that it is possible to obtain a factor-three vulcanization level difference in a core of a 20-mm rubber plate in a distance of less than 60 mm, while the heating is done from the side of the surface.

Originality/value

The originality is the combination of rubber vulcanization with a dynamic heat source in a form of electromagnetic induction applied on the mold form. This allows a high level of control of the vulcanization process of the rubber compound.

Citation

Ebel, W., Nikanorov, A. and Baake, E. (2017), "Numerical modelling of induction heated multi-zones rubber vulcanization process", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 497-503. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-05-2016-0241