Abstract: A numerical simulation model for predicting residual stresses which arise during the solidification process of pressed glass bulb panel was developed. The solidification of a molten layer of glass between cooled parallel plates was used to model the mechanics of the buildup of residual stresses in the forming process. A thermorheologically simple thermoviscoelastic model was assumed for the material. The finite element method employed was based on the theory of shells as an assembly of flat elements. This approach calculates residual stresses layer by layer like a truly three-dimensional calculation, which is well suited for thin pressed products of complex shape. An experimental comparison was employed to verify the proposed models and methods.

Key words: glass bulb, pressing, residual stresses, numerical prediction