Polymer Science with a Modeling Focus

We have a decade of experience in industrial research and development. During this time, we have worked on many aspects, some of them make polymer research complicated. For one thing, production is a chain of many processes that affect the properties of a product. So, finding the cause of a problem can be like searching the needle in the haystack. For another thing, plastics usually exhibit very non-linear behavior. In addition, plastics are frequently used in composite materials exhibiting complex anisotropic behavior. All in all, plastics are hard to predict. Fortunately, there are many methods to choose from in the science toolkit. For their effective use, we have developed a clear strategy focused on modeling.

This table shows how we approach Polymer Science. We start a project with a planning phase. Hereby, we focus on creating a modeling strategy, including physical models, a data model and so forth. Then, we implement the models in our real virtual laboratory. Experiments are real models, computer simulations are virtual models. Examples are a compression test and simulation, a creep test and simulation, and so forth. Finally we enter the interpretation phase. Then we evaluate simulation results. Comparing real and virtual simulations, for example, we can calibrate model parameters, validate models, and so forth.
Our approach to polymer science with a focus on modeling. At the planning stage, we create a modeling strategy, which we then implement in our real-virtual laboratory. We emphasize the usefulness of real-virtual model pairs.

Research Strategy with a Focus on Modeling

Our research strategy first states the problem and then proposes a methodology for its research. For research we use experimentation and computer simulation. These are powerful tools, which complement each other. Using the lessons from many research projects, we have developed a strategy. We postulate, that experiments are real models and computer simulations are virtual models. Then we combine them into real-virtual model pairs. For more information, go here: Modeling Strategy using Real-Virtual Model Pairs

Real-Virtual Laboratory

Consequently, we operate a real-virtual laboratory. Here we unite experiment and computer simulation. Both use the same input, model the same phenomena and produce comparable output. We can control, measure and simulate loads, displacements, temperature, time and humidity. In other words, we operate a thermo-(hydro)-mechanical laboratory for experimentation and simulation. We have developed techniques to explore into many aspects of plastics behavior. Among other things, this includes monotonous and cyclic mechanical behavior, thermomechanical behavior, anisotropy, heterogeneity and aging effects. All of this is perfectly suited to providing data and model parameters to product developers and simulation engineers. For more information, go here: Polymer Testing Laboratory

Polymer Material Modeling

Polymer material models for finite element analysis are a special case in our real-virtual laboratory. Material modeling can be complex, and even then, their range of validity is limited. We have developed a step-by-step process for finding material modeling solutions. First, we analyze the FE computation. Then we analyze the polymer material behavior. On this basis, we carry out a cost-value analysis to select an appropriate material model. Finally, we validate the modeling solution with our customers. For more information, go here: Material Modeling: Problem and Solution