The professors are taking part in a research project involving finite element modeling of the molding process for a traction track used on recreational, agricultural or military vehicles. Tracks are manufactured using the heated press compression molding process. When a track is molded, the rubber is compressed and heated to activate the chemical vulcanization reaction. In this context, the main challenge of the project is to obtain a sufficiently accurate finite element heat transfer model between the mold and the material, taking into account the following technical difficulties:
- The thermal properties of rubber change with the degree of vulcanization and temperature;
- The presence of metallic, plastic or other materials in the track influences heat dispersion.
The project will be carried out in close collaboration with Soucy, the company marketing the tracks.
Contact: Gilbert Lebrun – Gilbert.lebrun@uqtr.ca / Mathilde Jean-St Laurent – Mathilde.jean-st-laurent@uqtr.ca
