Effect of initial modulus distribution on the final thickness of a blown preform

In this preliminary study we will show how a simplified simulation of the blowing phase can be applied in the design and processing of preforms used in the fabrication of axisymmetric containers. The simulation model developed is capable of predicting in a qualitative way, the differences in inflation behaviour as well as the wall thickness distribution caused by the presence of non symmetric temperature distributions along the axis of a non-uniform wall thickness. In order to improve the quantitative aspect of the predictions more work is being done in the areas of material characterization and experimental validation using different resins and operating condition.