Glass Gob Modeling and Experimental Validation Using a Drop Test

Abstract

Glass blowing to create bottles with specific thickness distribution profiles requires several experimental iterations. Such iterations are expensive and increase the time to market. The use of simulation pretends to decrease the amount of prototypes by doing virtual validation of glass blowing molds. To feed simulations with realistic physical values, a gob drop test has been designed. This test provides valuable experience on the use of the software and validates heat transfer, viscosity and other physical parameters. Gob drop test was chosen for the possibility to record the test with infrared thermal cameras. Gob obtained similar shapes when dropped on a cast iron plate for both central and side sections with longer cooling of about 25°C. Such technique allowed the user to gain experience on the use of software and obtain valuable physical parameters for future glass blowing optimization.