Accurate modeling of melting and solidification processes is important to many engineering applications. The research presented in this article is part of an ongoing effort to document the melting behavior of lauric acid in a 50 mm by 120 mm rectangular container with an isothermal side—an experiment commonly used to validate numerical models. This article presents new experimental data of melting occurring at 135 deg and 180 deg inclines for isothermal wall temperatures of 60∘C and 70∘C. The data were processed to show the melt interface development and the melt fraction as a function of time. Furthermore, numerical simulations using the enthalpy-porosity method of the 135 deg incline were also conducted. In the numerical simulations, the mushy zone constant was parametrically varied. Different density approaches commonly found in the literature (e.g., density as a function of temperature or Boussinesq approximation) were utilized and examined. It was found that the choice of density method had a significant effect on the results. Implications of potential modeling choices unique to the enthalpy-porosity method are discussed related to the validation of models.
Additive manufacturing technologies have become increasingly prevalent in recent years and, with their abundance, have opened many doors in the field of manufacturing and design. The field of medicine has always been in high demand for new manufacturing techniques to create medical prostheses, devices, and trainers. With this increased need, 3D printing has become the obvious solution, and with it, a major problem has arisen. The lack of material property data on 3D printing filament post extrusion leaves designers and engineers having to perform extraneous tests to create accurate models. This paper summarizes an analyses of a common 3D printing filament known as Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). The analysis included tensile testing in accordance with ASTM D638-14 and preliminary FEA based on the material properties found. It was found that TPU is a material that behaves in a similar manner to an elastomer with a low ultimate stress (50% infill yields 23.92 MPa +1.38 −1.12) and relatively low moduli of elasticity (50% infill sample 23.13 MPa +0.91 −0.87). TPU’s material characteristics change in respect to its infill percentage. A preliminary FEA analysis was also performed with results that agree with the material testing. Overall, the results from the physical testing and the FEA analysis were in agreement and allows for the creation of a foundation to extend the FEA validation with complex geometric models modeled after organic biomedical components.
Phase change materials (PCMs) are a key component to thermal energy storage solutions, which have the potential to hold a critical role in future energy storage. PCMs take advantage of large latent heat capacities as a method for storing thermal energy for later use. The research presented in this paper is part of an ongoing effort to document the melt behavior of lauric acid in an insulated rectangular container. This paper presents new experimental data of melting occurring at 180° and 135° incline. The data is processed to show the melt interface development and the melt fraction over the duration of the experiment. The results of the 135° incline experiment are compared to a numerical model and differences in results are examined.
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