Finite Element simulation of vibrating plastic components

Abstract: For automotive plastic parts there is a clear demand on an increased quality of the FE models. This demand is related to the increased use of simulations, both due to a reduced number of prototypes and an increased number of load cases. There have been studies showing a change of dynamic properties in injection molded components. The conclusion from these studies are that the change depends on residual stresses built in during the injection process. This study use simple models to try to get a working method and from the results find out the basic relations between residual stresses and dynamic properties. A method was developed and the results showed that the residuals had a major impact on the dynamic properties. Continuation on this work would be to use more complex models, to try to mimic results from reference studies and tests.