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Title: Simulation of the Densification of Semicrystalline Polymer Powders during the Selective Laser Sintering Process: Application to Nylon-12,

Journal Article · · Polymer Science. Series A, 50(6):704-709

The heating and densification processes of semi-crystalline polymer powders, during the selective laser sintering process, are simulated using the finite element method. Based on previously developed three-dimensional approach for the sintering of amorphous polymer powders, the modeling methodology is extended to semi-crystalline polymers by taking into account the effects of latent heat during melting. In these simulations, the temperature dependent thermal conductivity, specific heat, density and the effect of latent heat are computed then used as material constants for the integration of the heat equation. Results for temperature and density distribution using Nylon-12 powder are presented and discussed. The effects of processing parameters on the density distribution are also presented.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
935057
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-56478; TRN: US200815%%13
Journal Information:
Polymer Science. Series A, 50(6):704-709, Vol. 50, Issue 6
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English