Numerical Simulation

Glass-forming processes are thermal processes and take place at temperatures above 400 °C. During these processes, the impact of forces as well as temperature causes the geometry of the component to change incrementally. The material states change continuously until the final properties are reached in the cold state at the end of the process. A wide range of extensive tests can be carried out on the cold component, but this is not possible while the process is taking place. To access this information, as well as gain deeper insights into the material, we use advanced material models to simulate glass-forming processes, as well as machining processes and loads on glass components such as vacuum-insulating glass.

The following advantages arise for our partners:

• Cost savings by reducing expensive experiments in the design phase
• Fast development and acceleration of process design
• Reliability: Numerical simulations are transparent, and the results are reproducible

• Use of machine learning in the flat glass bending process
• Feasibility studies for new processes in the glass industry
• Research on current problems in existing processes of the glass industry (bending, cutting, soldering,…)
• Transfer of expertise of different process technologies ranging from glasses to numerical simulation
• Application of numerical simulation to support the implementation of machine learning in Industry 4.0

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• High-performance computing clusters
• Licenses for finite elements software
• Mesh-free methods (SPH, MD, DFT)
• Simulation experience with the following processes:
  • Soldering glass (particularly vacuum-insulating glazing)
  • Bending glass
  • Cutting glass and silicon
  • Heat treatment through global and local heat input into glass

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Decades of experience in numerical simulation over several groups enable synergies to be generated and links to be established between different material systems and technologies:

• Flat glass bending process
• Embossing glass surfaces
• Thermal heat treatment processes of glass
• Manufacturing process for tempered glass
• High-performance computing clusters
• Proprietary and commercial material models

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