Analysis of the effects of region and direction on the mechanical strength of polyurethane foams in white goods refrigerators

Abstract

This research focuses on investigating the mechanical properties of polyurethane foam, specifically in the context of the refrigeration industry. Tensile, compression, and flexural tests were conducted to gather comprehensive data on the foam's mechanical behavior under various loading conditions. Samples were collected from different regions within a specific cabinet model to analyze the effects of region and direction of the foam growth on the foam's mechanical properties. The results revealed that samples collected from the top of the cabinet exhibited superior performance compared to those obtained from the bottom. The foam demonstrated isotropic behavior under compression, while exhibiting anisotropic behavior under tensile and flexure. When aligned parallel to the foam growth, the foam displayed slightly higher maximum stress in the tensile and flexural tests. However, the compression test showed comparable strength in both directions. These findings contribute to a better understanding and utilization of PU foam in various industrial sectors, particularly in refrigeration. The data obtained from this research can support the optimization of project designs and facilitate the development of more efficient and economically viable solutions.