Rubber curing process simulation based on parabola model

Abstract

The curing process of rubber fender was investigated. A parabola model was put forward for the first time, which described variation of rubber thermal properties such as heat conduction and specific heat. Based on Kamal and Sourour model, a modified Rafei kinetic model was used to predict the rubber curing kinetics. To compare with experimental data, the fender curing process was simulated by parabola model and linear model respectively. Additionally, the curing craft and structure of the fender were modified and evaluated based on finite element analysis (FEA). As a result, the curing uniformity and efficiency of the fender was highly improved. It was investigated that, the parabola model correlated the rubber thermal behavior more precisely. The numerical prediction was in good agreement with the experimental evaluation.

Keywords

rubber / curing process / thermal properties / cure kinetics / state-of-cure / FEA

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