Heat transfer analysis of rapid ice prototyping process by finite element method

This paper introduces a finite element model to simulate the distribution of the temperature field in the rapid ice prototyping process. In the simulations conducted, new elements representing the newly built layers on a part are activated in sequence to reflect the material adding process of layer-by-layer fabrication. The heat transfers occurring between the newly added layers, the built structure and the surroundings of the part are taken into account during the simulation. Calculations of parameters affecting the solidification of water are analyzed and compared with actual experimental results. The influences of the various process parameters oil the solidification time of water during fabrication are studied based on the simulation results. The simulation results obtained are helpful in optimizing the process parameters and improving the quality of the RIP-fabricated ice parts. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.