COMSOL ANALYSIS
COMSOL was used to do heat transfer analysis of different designs of the mug. The two parameters tested were adding a lid and/or a double layer with an air gap, both for the regular cone and the inverted cone.
In the results shown, the two winning designs that stay the longest time hot are both the lid and double layer designs.
COMSOL SIMULATION
COFFEE MUG DESIGN
The goal was to design a cup that would hold the coffee at a temperature over 48ºC for over one hour, for a pleasant customer experience. More specifically, the idea of cone-shaped coffee mugs was explored. As an analysis, both standard and inverted cones are compared to see which one will keep in the heat for longer.
DESIGNING AND MODELING
First, the basic shape of the cone shaped mug was designed. Research of available coffee mugs was made, and the desired volume range was decided to be around 300mL.
Finally, the prototype holds exactly 316.25mL of coffee, and is modeled with steel AISI 4340.
The winning design is the regular cone with large base, lid, and air gap layer
Holds approximately 300mL of coffee
Keeps coffee over 48ºC for over two hours
Outside surface temperature within safe range for human contact
Cost of mug : $0.30 (considering $0.25/kg for AISI 4340 alloy steel)
In this comparison of the two best designs (lid and double layer) there is a clear difference between the small and large base coffee mug. at 2hr 42min, the large base coffee mug is still hot enough to drink, while the small base mug isn’t.