
A Phase Transformation Model for Glass with Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Using Neighbor Element Method
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Glass, with its unique combination of optical transparency, thermal stability, scratch resistance, and electrical insulation properties is a vital material in industries ranging from optical components to advanced laser systems. Despite its widespread use, the complex behavior during thermal processing and the associated phase transformations present significant challenges in manufacturing and application. This study presents a novel kinetic phase transformation model coupled with thermo-mechanical analysis, implemented within the ANSYS commercial finite element framework. The model employs the Neighbor Element Method (NEM), a numerical approach that effectively captures the local material behavior during phase transitions. Unlike conventional methods, our kinetic model accounts for the time-dependent nature of glass transformation, providing more accurate predictions of the material's behavior under varying thermal and mechanical loads. The implementation shows promising numerical stability and successfully captures the thermal history dependence of glass properties during the transformation process. The computational framework allows for detailed analysis of stress development during cooling processes, offering insights into the complex phase transformation behavior. This integrated approach provides a foundation for enhanced understanding and control of glass processing parameters, particularly valuable for applications requiring precise optical and mechanical properties. Key aspects of the model include the consideration of structural relaxation phenomena, thermal expansion coefficients' variation across the transformation range, and the evolution of mechanical properties during phase changes. The methodology presented offers new possibilities for optimization of industrial glass forming processes and quality prediction in high-precision optical applications.