Utilization of LAMMPS in a Rapid-Response Production Environment to Solve Manufacturing Challenges

Silicone foams are widely used throughout industry to provide good cushioning performance at a wide range of temperatures with minimal degradation. Production of products using these materials is challenged by variation in supplier formulations. Conventionally, production has relied on trial-and-error experimental approaches to troubleshoot manufacturing issues. Recently, Honeywell FM&T started applying the advanced computational techniques in LAMMPS to accelerate solutions and expand knowledge of materials and processes. Molecular and dissipative particle dynamics are being used to understand various formulation parameters that impact manufacturing processes and material performance. These techniques were used to quantify the effects that crosslinking, molecular weight, polymer branching, and particle-polymer interactions have on mechanical properties, including the viscoelastic response of filled polymers. Results have shown these techniques to be viable solutions for production challenges, not solely relegated to fundamental materials research.