At LGP we perform mathematical modeling of thermal and deformation processes in glasses at their processing. Mathematical modeling includes careful description of the equipment. Combining application of mathematical physics, material and computer sciences we are able to develop computer models providing correct and efficient modeling of glass manufacturing operations for virtually any type of glasses and within a wide range of processing parameters.
Modeling areas include conventional and special glass forming operations (fiber and tube drawing, float glass on tin bath, flat glass gravity bending, annealing, and tempering, etc.). We can also offer modeling refining processes of different types. Melting or forming techniques using non-traditional sources of heat (plasma, microwave, oxy-firing) can be subjects of the modeling work.
Based on specific requirements of our Customer LGP performs development a custom computer modeling software focused on solution of specific production problems. That very often decreases the cost and shortens the time of development.
Software development project consists of the following steps:
Thorough engineering study of the modeled operation is performed. All available technical data (blueprints, processing sheets, instrumental measurements, video recordings, etc.) are collected. Engineering study is usually repeated more than once during the development period;
Development of thermal sub-models of heating units (furnace, lehr, etc.), forming aggregates (press, bushing assembly, bending irons, etc.), support equipment (air formers, burners, etc.). Upon a special request the modeling of the furnace or lehr can be considered as an independent project;
Development of thermal sub-models of a glass or melt object (gob, layer, cylinder, tube, cone, glass blank or pre-form having different geometry, etc.);
Development of visco-elastic sub-models, describing deformation of glass at its forming or reshaping, formation and evolution of stresses in glasses and seals;
Development of additional sub-models describing different secondary physical processes accompanying the modeled operation (glass to metal adhesion, glass-metal heat resistance, formation of gaps, distortion, diffusion of compounds between melt and gas, etc.);
Precise measurement of physical properties of glass and auxiliary materials needed as input parameters for the modeling;
Experimental verification of the models at laboratory scale, for doing this we design and build computerized experimental devices;
Development of graphic user interface (GUI) focused on practical needs and requirements of the future users of the modeling software. GUI is supplied with necessary set of options and tools including interactive images of constructive elements, 2D graphs, and vivid 3D graphic animation;
Testing the software at the production site followed by improvements to both the sub-models and GUI.
LGP offers flexible conditions giving the Customer the opportunity to get the best possible product at the end of the development period.
LGP computer models complete calculation cycle within 30 minutes or faster depending on the task and computer configuration;
IBM compatible PC (at the moment with P4 processor at 2.4 GHz, 256 MB RAM, and XGA display) is needed to run the programs;
Furthermore:
Special features and additional software tools (viewers, graphic converters, etc.) can be included in the package on beneficial terms.
The models work under Win98, 2000, me, and xp operation systems. However, we are ready to discuss development of the modeling software for alternative OS (Unix-, Linux-, etc.).
LGP software comes with unlimited time end-user license. Special terms and conditions are negotiable;
After the end of the development period LGP provides free technical support of the software for up to one year.
