Numerical simulation of flow coating technology process for lens of automotive lighting lamp

Abstract

To study the flow pattern of the flow coating technology applied to substrates with a complex three-dimensional surface (the lens of an automotive lighting lamp) and the possible defects (mainly “wrinkles”), numerical simulation was used to simulate the coating implementation process. The complex geometric surface of the substrate was simplified and partitioned such that the simulation resources were significantly reduced. The k–ε realizable turbulence model and the volume of fluid multiphase model were used for the numerical solution. The flow pattern and moving contact line are analyzed by fluid dynamics, as well as the reasons for the formation of “wrinkles” and the “heel” phenomenon. It can be concluded from the comparison of the results and the actual experiments/videos that the method used in this study can effectively simulate the flow field in the implementation of the flow coating technology and predict the main defects of the flow field caused by the three-dimensional geometric characteristics of the substrate.