Computer evaluation of the influence of liquid metal movements on defects formation in the casting

Czestochowa University of Technology, Institute of Mechanics and Machine Design Fundamentals, Dąbrowskiego 73, 42-201 Częstochowa, Poland

^* Corresponding author: sowa@imipkm.pcz.pl

Abstract

This paper concerns the modelling of the solidification process including the phenomena of heat transfer and fluid flow during the initial stage of the metal casting process. During this period, the molten metal motions have an essential influence on solidification kinetics. An analysis of solidification kinetics, by determining the velocity and temperature fields in a system of riser-casting was made. Velocity fields were obtained by solving the momentum equations and the continuity equation, while the thermal fields were obtained by solving the conduction equation containing the convection term. After completion of the filling process the main solidification of molten metal takes place and its shrinkage. The phenomenon of casting shrinkage cannot be avoided, but it is possible to minimize its negative effects on the casting quality. One with ways to solve this problem is to design the mould in such a way that the solidification proceeds in accordance to the assumed direction and finished in the riser. Generally, the aim of search is to obtain a casting without shrinkage defects.