유한요소해석을 이용한 냉장고 캐비넷의 열변형 최소화를 위한 연구

Abstract

A cabinet of refrigerator is mainly composed of ABS copolymer, poly urethane foam and steel plate for insulation and support of structure. Temperature difference between inner part and outer part of refrigerator occurs thermal deformation because three materials have different thermal expansion coefficients. Besides the thermal deformation, outer plate is deformed in the circumference of duct which is interchanged between refrigerating room and freezing room as cold air stream and it is very difficult to prevent deformation because the reasons of deformation are not defined clearly.

Therefore, on this study finite element analysis of theoretical numerical analysis was applied to estimate deformation of cabinet and outer plate of duct region as constructing a finite element model and phenomenal analysis. From this results design techniques were suggested to minimize the thermal deformation of cabinet and it was indicated reinforcement method for each part and optimization scheme to minimize thermal deformation. The factors which affect deformation on outer plate of duct region were evaluated and the new design is also suggested to minimize deformation.

In conclusion, the thermal expansion coefficient of ABS should be reduced to minimize the thermal deformation and vertical supporter should be attached on front part and inner case. The shape of flat duct which has rib at the end part of it can fill the empty space with PU-Foam makes gentle curved surface.