Three-dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Rubber Curing Process

This paper describes the development of a finite element model for the simulation of the rubber curing process in a mold. Thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the rubber are assumed to be dependent on temperature. The cure kinetic behavior of the rubber is also assumed to be described by an empirical model proposed by Kamal and Sourour. The governing equation is solved using the finite element method in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The applicability of the model is verified by a comparison between the results of the simulation of the vulcanization of a rubber part in the mold with experimentally measured temperature profile. It has been shown that there is very good agreement between the model predictions and the actual data.