A One-Dimensional Numerical Model of Heat Transfer in the Process of Tire Vulcanization

Abstract

Abstract A one-dimensional heat flow model based on the Crank-Nicolson system of nodes is described. Conventional cooling theory has been incorporated into the model which may then be entirely represented in matrix form as a generalized theory. A considerable amount of investigation of the tire shoulder region has shown that by simulation, one-dimensional heat transfer theory is applicable to the molding process of tire vulcanization. The problem is one in which a unique set of thermal constants may specify the basic process. In heating, these constants are the apparent thermal diffusivity and equivalent tire shoulder thickness and, in cooling, the so-called surface heat transfer coefficients are used to define the material. The tire curvature and groove geometries may be considered to perturb the linear model but are accounted for by adjustments of the equivalent tire thickness which is determined empirically. Generally, agreement between theory and experiment is very good, and hence, such a model paves the way for on-line computer control of the production press.