Title: Modeling the Temperature-Dependent Structural Performance of Rigid Polyurethane and Polyisocyanurate Foams Using Mean-Field Homogenization and Finite Element Analysis

Authors: Hieu T. McElroy and Luca Guj

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.20.0028

Abstract: In recent years, rigid Polyurethane (PUR) and Polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams are increasingly used as insulation materials for wall and roof applications in high energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings around the world due to their superior thermal performance. Metal-faced PUR/PIR sandwich panels are widely used as structural insulated panels in commercial building applications to reduce construction time as well as materials and costs associated with structural framing. Thus, material manufacturers must understand the structural performance of PUR/PIR foams to ensure the foam panels meet the quality requirements and industry standards. Because manufacturing and characterization are expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, Dow Research and Development (R&D) has developed a combined experimental-numerical approach to model the anisotropic temperature-dependent properties of rigid PUR/PIR foams. This approach allows predictions of thermal-mechanical properties, i.e., tensile and compression behaviors, to end-use performance, e.g., metal-faced sandwich solutions for commercial buildings. The numerical model is based on the “double-inclusion” mean-field homogenization technique and finite element analysis. Finally, the model was experimentally validated using tensile and four-point bending tests as well as digital image correlation analysis.

References: [1] European Norm BS EN 14509:2013, “Self-supporting double skin metal faced insulating panels - Factory made products – Specifications.” European Committee for Standardization, 2013. [2] Nemat-Nasser, S., and Hori, M. Micromechanics: Overall Properties of Heterogeneous Materials. Amsterdam: North-Holland, 1993. [3] Digimat 2018.1 User’s Manual. [4] Abaqus 2018 User’s Manual. [5] Gibson, L.J, and Ashby, M.F. Cellular Solids: Structure and Properties. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997. [6] Tsai, S.W. and Wu, E.M. ""A General Theory of Strength for Anisotropic Materials,"" Journal of Composite Materials 5(1) (1971): 58-80.

Conference: SAMPE 2020 | Virtual Series

Publication Date: 2020/06/01

SKU: TP20-0000000028

Pages: 15

Price: FREE