Investigating Induced Thermal Shock Stresses on Washing Machine Glass with Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Glass has become an increasingly popular material in modern home appliances due to its sleek, aesthetic appearance and durability. Washing machine manufacturers have followed this trend, incorporating glass as a key component in their designs. However, glass door breakage failure is a common issue that can cause serious injuries and damage. Glass door failure can occur suddenly or gradually and can be caused by several factors, including thermal shock, impact, wear and tear, and manufacturing defects. Understanding the failure modes of washing machine glass doors is crucial for developing effective solutions to prevent glass door failure in washing machines. The most common failure of glass in washing machines is subjected to repeated thermal shocks due to the frequent fluctuations in temperature during the washing and drying cycles. This thermal stress can cause the glass to crack, leading to safety hazards and costly repairs for consumers. The aim of this paper is to investigate the induced thermal shock stresses on washing machine glass and to propose potential solutions to mitigate the risk of glass breakage. The study will be carried out through a combination of experimental data collecting and numerical simulations including washing cycle simulation and experimental test scenario. The numerical simulations will use finite element analysis to model the thermal stresses experienced by the glass during the washing and drying cycles. This paper is organized as follows. At the first part, the study will provide a literature review of existing research on thermal shock in glass and its effects on washing machines. Secondly, it will present the methodology used in this study, including details on the numerical simulations and experimental testing. Third part, covers the presentation of the results of the study, including the stress profiles of the glass samples and the observed damage. Fourth part will discuss the implications of the results and propose potential solutions to mitigate the risk of glass breakage in washing machines. Final part will conclude the paper with a summary of the key findings and suggestions for future research. Overall, this study seeks to contribute to the development of safer and more reliable washing machines, by shedding light on the thermal shock stresses experienced by the glass components and proposing solutions to mitigate the associated risks.