Bártolo, Paulo2026-02-052026-02-052012Paulo Bártolo; Thermo-kinetic curing model for stereolithographic applications. AIP Conf. Proc. 26 September 2012; 1479 (1): 1579–1583. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4756466978-073541091-60094-243Xhttp://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/15542A thermal-kinetic model, using the finite element method to study, simulate and optimise stereolithography, is presented in this paper. The model, which is theoretically rigorous and practical in its implementation, describes both the heat transfer effects and the course of the chemical reaction. This model includes the effects of photo-initiator concentration, temperature and light intensity, predicting the diffusion-controlled effects that occur after vitrification, the phenomenon of unimolecular termination and the shrinkage effects. Light intensity values at the resin surface are defined by assuming an appropriated Gaussian intensity distribution. The Beer-Lambert law enables to describe the decrease in light intensity with depth. The non-linear variation of the glass transition temperature with fractional conversion can be determined and consequently the mechanical behaviour of the resin sample predicted.engCuring kineticsFinite Element MethodStereolithographyconference paper10.1063/1.4756466