Effect of casting process on the inner-wall band segregation of high-strength antisulfur pipes

Controlling inner-wall band segregation is one of the difficulties in the production of high-strength antisulfur pipes.Comparative tests were carried out on different casting processes(superheat,mold electromagnetic stirring,end electromagnetic stirring,casting speed and soft reduction)for the smelting of high-strength antisulfur pipes.The microstructures of continuous-casting billets and hot-rolled or tempered pipes were analyzed using a metallographic microscope and scanning electron microscope.The mechanism and evolution law regarding the inner-wall band segregation of high-strength antisulfur pipes were studied,and the influence of different casting processes was explored.

Development of 2D casting process CAD system based on PDF/image files

A casting process CAD is put forward to design and draw casting process. The 2D casting process CAD, most of the current systems are developed based on one certain version of the AutoCAD system. However the application of these 2D casting process CAD systems in foundry enterprises are restricted because they have several deficiencies, such as being overly dependent on the AutoCAD system, and some part files based on PDF format can not be opened directly. To overcome these deficiencies, for the first time an innovative 2D casting process CAD system based on PDF and image format file has been proposed, which breaks through the traditional research and application notion of the 2D casting process CAD system based on AutoCAD. Several key technologies of this system such as coordinate transformation, CAD interactive drawing, file storage, PDF and image format files display, and image recognition technologies were described in detail. A practical 2D CAD casting process system named HZCAD2D（PDF） was developed, which is capable of designing and drawing the casting process on the part drawing based on the PDF format directly, without spending time on drawing the part produced by AutoCAD system. Final y, taking two actual castings as examples, the casting processes were drawn using this system, demonstrating that this system can significantly shorten the cycle of casting process designing.

A Comparison Study between Suspension Casting Process and Low Superheat Casting Process

Taking GCr15 bearing steel as experiment material, the effects of suspension casting process and low superheat casting process on the solidification of ingot were studied comparehvely. The results show that both suspension casting process and low superheat casting process can improve the censeal segregation and crystal structure of ingot. As the acting mechanism is different between the two kinds of processes, it is found that suspension casting process is more effective than low superheat casting process in improving the quality of ingot.

Study on Numerical Simulation of Mold Filling and Heat Transfer in Die Casting Process

A 3-D mathematical model considering turbulence phenomena has been established based on a computational fluid dynamics technique, so called 3-D SOLA-VOF (Solution Algorithm-Volume of Fluid), to simulate the fluid flow of mold filling process of die casting. In addition, the mathematical model for simulating the heat transfer in die casting process has also been established. The computation program has been developed by the authors with the finite difference method (FDM) recently. As verification, the mold filling process of a S-shaped die casting has been simulated and the simulation results coincide with that of the benchmark test. Finally, as a practical application, the gating design of a motorcycle component was modified by the mold filling simulation and the dies design of another motorcycle component was optimized by the heat transfer simulation. All the optimized designs were verified by the production practice.

Fabrication of AA2024−TiO2 nanocomposites through stir casting process

Given the nonuse of TiO2 nanoparticles as the reinforcement of AA2024 alloy in fabricating composites by ex-situ casting methods,it was decided to process the AA2024−xTiO2(np)(x=0,0.5 and 1 vol.%)nanocomposites by employing the stir casting method.The structural properties of the produced samples were then investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy;their mechanical properties were also addressed by hardness and tensile tests.The results showed that adding 1 vol.%TiO2 nanoparticles reduced the grain size and dendrite arm spacing by about 66%and 31%,respectively.Also,hardness,ultimate tensile strength,yield strength,and elongation of AA2024−1vol.%TiO2(np)composite were increased by about 25%,28%,4%and 163%,respectively,as compared to those of the monolithic component.The agglomerations of nanoparticles in the structure of nanocomposites were found to be a factor weakening the strength against the strengthening mechanisms.Some agglomerations of nanoparticles in the matrix were detected on the fractured surfaces of the tension test specimens.

Optimization of casting process based on the theory of inventive problem solving

Optimization of casting process involves the adjustment of parameters as well as the improvement of process schemes and measures.This paper proposes a new method based on the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving(TRIZ) for casting process optimization,and realizes the idea of applying TRIZ to optimize the casting process of a magnesium alloy intake manifold.By this method,the casting process is optimized so as to remove the shrinkage pores.The successful optimization of casting process demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed method.

Microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of bronze/steel bimetallic laminated composite prepared by protective atmosphere casting process

The bonding quality of bronze/steel bimetallic laminated composite is the key factor to whether it can be used in poor working conditions.In this study,bimetallic billets were prepared by the protective atmosphere casting process.The microstructural characteristics,mechanical properties and interface bonding mechanism of the bronze/steel bimetallic composites were analyzed comprehensively through a series of microstructure analysis(inicluding OM,SEM,and EDS)and mechanical properties tests.The experimental results demonstrate that the vaporization of lead(Pb)element in the bronze is only 0.4%in weight,and alloy elements are diffused into both sides at the interface.Moreover,the hardness in the bronze region exceeds 100.0 HV which indicates excellent wear resistance.Tensile and shear tests indicate that the fractures mainly occur on the bronze side with the interaction of the brittle fracture of Pb particles and the ductile fracture of Cu-Sn solid solution.The maximum tensile strength and shear strength reach 204.0 MPa and 211.0 MPa,respectively.These results demonstrate that the protective atmosphere casting process is applicable for the preparation of bronze/steel bimetallic laminated composite with high quality.

Heat Transfer between Casting and Die during High Pressure Die Casting Process of AM50 Alloy-Modeling and Experimental Results

A method based on die casting experiments and mathematic modeling is presented for the determination of the heat flow density （HFD） and interfacial heat transfer coefficient （IHTC） during the high pressure die casting （HPDC） process.Experiments were carried out using step shape casting and a commercial magnesium alloy,AM50.Temperature profiles were measured and recorded using thermocouples embedded inside the die. Based on these temperature readings,the HFD and IHTC were successfully determined and the calculation results show that the HFD and IHTC at the metal-die interface increases sharply right after the fast phase injection process until approaching their maximum values,after which their values decrease to a much lower level until the dies are opened.Different patterns of heat transfer behavior were found between the die and the casting at different thicknesses.The thinner the casting was,the more quickly the HFD and IHTC reached their steady states.Also,the values for both the HFD and IHTC values were different between die and casting at different thicknesses.

Virtual Mold Technique in Thermal Stress Analysis during Casting Process

It is important to analyse the casting product and the mold at the same time considering thermal contraction of the casting and thermal expansion of the mold. The analysis considering contact of the casting and the mold induces the precise prediction of stress distribution and the defect such as hot tearing. But it is difficult to generate FEM mesh for the interface of the casting and the mold. Moreover the mesh for the mold domain spends lots of computational time and memory for the analysis due to a number of meshes. Consequently we proposed the virtual mold technique which only uses mesh of the casting part for thermal stress analysis in casting process. The spring bar element in virtual mold technique is used to consider the contact of the casting and the mold. In general, a volume of the mold is much bigger than that of casting part, so the proposed technique decreases the number of mesh and saves the computational memory and time greatly. In this study, the proposed technique was verified by the comparison with the traditional contact technique on a specimen. And the proposed technique gave satisfactory results.

The effect of the continuous casting process on ultrasonically-tested defects in heavy plates

A plate＇s internal quality is very critical, especially for boilers and high-pressure vessels. The ultrasonic test （UT） is the main type of non-destructive flaw detection for heavy plates, which is important because one of the main reasons for plate defects is ultrasonic flaws. This study, based on Baosteel＇ s practical experience in the manufacture of heavy plates, elucidates the cause of defect formation by analyzing ultrasonic flaw testing maps and using special equipment, such as the scanning electron microscope, electron probe and the optical microscope. The author puts forward the following improvement measures： ① Ultrasonic flaws are caused by central porosity and segregation,[H] bubbles and inclusion in slabs.②Ultrasonic flaws are more likely to occur in the bottom and top of slabs rather than the other positions in the casting sequence. It is clear that one-quarter of the inner camber＇ s thickness is accumulated inclusion.③It is clear that overheating in the tundish and the flow of the casting mould have an effect on ultrasonic flaws caused by inclusions.④Soft reduction improves central porosity and segregation,which decreases the number of ultrasonic flaws in the plate.

Magnesium Alloy Wheel Structure Design and Wheel Casting Process Performance Analysis

Recently,as the automotive industry is increasingly demanding on energy saving and environmental protection,people are paying more attention to the lightweight design and comfort of automobiles.Casting is a very important part of wheel manufacturing.Casting method includes centrifugal casting,sand casting,high pressure casting,low pressure casting and so on.In this research,magnesium alloy wheel casting numerical simulation was carried out.Analysis of casting process was researched based on finite element theory,filling and solidification data at the end of the simulation were obtained for guidance of produce.

Data-driven casting defect prediction model for sand casting based on random forest classification algorithm

The complex sand-casting process combined with the interactions between process parameters makes it difficult to control the casting quality,resulting in a high scrap rate.A strategy based on a data-driven model was proposed to reduce casting defects and improve production efficiency,which includes the random forest(RF)classification model,the feature importance analysis,and the process parameters optimization with Monte Carlo simulation.The collected data includes four types of defects and corresponding process parameters were used to construct the RF model.Classification results show a recall rate above 90% for all categories.The Gini Index was used to assess the importance of the process parameters in the formation of various defects in the RF model.Finally,the classification model was applied to different production conditions for quality prediction.In the case of process parameters optimization for gas porosity defects,this model serves as an experimental process in the Monte Carlo method to estimate a better temperature distribution.The prediction model,when applied to the factory,greatly improved the efficiency of defect detection.Results show that the scrap rate decreased from 10.16% to 6.68%.

Simulation on Effect of Divergent Angle of Submerged Entry Nozzle on Flow and Temperature Fields in Round Billet Mold in Electromagnetic Swirling Continuous Casting Process

A new process for swirling flow generation in the submerged entry nozzle （SEN） in continuous casting process of steel was proposed. A rotating electromagnetic field was set up around the SEN to induce swirling flow by Lorentz force. The flow and temperature fields in the SEN and round billet mold with electromagnetic swirling were numerically simulated and then verified by the electromagnetic swirling model experiment of low melting point alloy. The effects of divergent angle of the SEN on the flow and temperature fields in mold with electromagnetic swirling were investigated. The electromagnetic swirling flow generator （EMSFG） could effectively induce swirling flow of molten steel in the SEN, which consequently improved greatly the flow and temperature fields in the mold. Below the nozzle outlet in mold, with the increase of divergent angle, the stream of bulk flow diverged more widely, the high temperature zone shifted up, and the temperature field became more uniform. Above the nozzle outlet in mold, with 350 A electromagnetic swirling, when the divergent angle of the SEN increased, the upward flow velocity and the meniscus temperature first increased and then decreased. With a divergent angle of 60~, the upward flow velocity and meniscus temperature reaced the largest value.

Application of Mix Optimization Scheduling Approach for Steelmaking Continuous Casting Process Based on Actual Steelmaking Industry

The models, algorithms and implementation results of a computerized scheduling system were introduced for the steelmaking-continuous casting process （SCCP） of a steel plant in China. The scheduling of SCCP in this plant required that each cast plan should be processed on time, the charges in the same cast should be processed con- tinuously on the same caster, and the waiting time of the charges which are in front of each caster cannot exceed the given threshold. At the same time, the processing time of charges cannot be conflicted mutually in the same convert- ers or refining furnaces. Based on the research background, a hybrid optimal scheduling approach and its application were discussed. Aiming at the main equipment scheduling, an optimal scheduling method was proposed which con- sisted of equipment assignment algorithm based on dynamic program （DP） technique and conflict elimination algo rithm based on linear program （LP） technique. The approach guarantees that the charges are continuously processed on the same caster. Meanwhile, the requirement for high temperature ladle can also be satisfied due to the ladle matching function. Numerical results demonstrate solution quality, computational efficiency, and values of the mod els and algorithm.

Suppression of Effect of Uneven Velocity in Submerged Entry Nozzle in Round Billet Continuous Casting Process Using Electromagnetic Swirling Flow

Sliding gate control system is widely employed in continuous casting process of steel to control flow rate of molten steel.As molten steel passes through a sliding gate,uneven flow develops.This will cause asymmetrical distribution of flow and temperature field in mold consequently,formation of vortex near the nozzle and entrapment of CC powder into the molten steel.etc,which have negative effect on process productivity and product quality.To suppress the uneven flow,electromagnetic swirling flow has been proposed to impose on the flow in submerged entry nozzle below the sliding gate.In this study the uneven flow developed by incompletely open sliding gate and the suppression of this uneven flow using electromagnetic swirling flow are numerically studied in round billet continuous casting of steel process.The improvement of the flow and temperature filed in the submerged entry nozzle and mold are investigated.It is found that:The uneven velocity in nozzle can be suppressed by electromagnetic swirling flow,and the flow and temperature field in mold be improved obviously;With the increase of electromagnetic swirling intensity,the effect of uneven flow can be almost completely suppressed.

Integration of CAD/CAE System for Casting Process Design

Concurrent engineering is needed to modernize the foundry industry and to reduce the scrap from castings and thus increase the economic profit. This paper presents an integrated 3-D CAD/CAE system for a foundry using concurrent engineering which considers casting structure, casting type, and manufacturing properties in the CAD module to design the pouring system, the riser, the chill core and so on. A visualized solid model is developed for the casting component with the model design enhanced by CAE analysis. Heat transfer and fluid flow simulation are used to analyze the initial design. The whole product development process is analyzed using concurrent engineering methods. The application shows that the integrated system can improve the efficiency of the design and manufacturing process of die casting.

Fundamental Study on Continuous Casting Process With Swirling Flow by Electromagnetic Force

Swirling flow in a submerged entry nozzle is effective on improving quality of casting block and casting speed in continuous casting of steel.A new method for swirling flow generation in the nozzle has been proposed by the authors,that is a rotating electromagnetic field is set up around a submerged entry nozzle(SEN)to induce swirling flow in it by Lorentz force.In this study,the magnetic field in molten steel in the submerged entry nozzle,the flow and temperature field in the SEN and mold in round,square billet and slab continuous casting process of steel are numerically studied.The model experiment of electromagnetic swirling continuous casting is also conducted with low melting point alloy.The commercial test for slab is undergoing.Results by numerical simulation and experiment show that the swirling flow by the optimum designed electromagnetic swirling generator can not only improve the distribution of flow and temperature in mold but also achieve the same effects generated by the swirling blade process. And,more effects on continuous casting process can be expected after this electromagnetic swirling process is optimized.

Numerical Simulation System for Casting Process in Concurrent Engineering

According to the implementing principle and application background of the Concurrent Engineering (CE) project, studies on the integration of numerical simulation system for casting process with CE, simulation of turbulent phenomena in filling process of casting by Algebraic Stress Model (ASM), computation efficiency of filling process and quantitative prediction of shrinkage cavity and porosity under feeding condition of several risers are discussed. After the simulation of casting process of typical magnesium based alloy casting with complicated structure, remarkable success in assuring the quality is also presented.

Construction and analysis of dynamic solidification curves for non-equilibrium solidification process in lost-foam casting hypoeutectic gray cast iron

Most lost-foam casting processes involve non-equilibrium solidification dominated by kinetic factors, while construction of a common dynamic solidification curve is based on pure thermodynamics, not applicable for analyses and research of non-equilibrium macro-solidification processes, and the construction mode can not be applied to nonequilibrium solidification process. In this study, the construction of the dynamic solidification curve(DSC) for the nonequilibrium macro-solidification process included: a modified method to determine the start temperature of primary austenite precipitation(T_(AL)) and the start temperature of eutectic solidification(T_(ES)); double curves method to determine the temperature of the dendrite coherency point of primary austenite(T-(AC)) and the temperature of eutectic cells collision point(T_(EC)); the "technical solidus" method to determine the end temperature of eutectic reaction(T_(EN)). For this purpose, a comparative testing of the non-equilibrium solidification temperature fields in lost-foam casting and green sand mold casting hypoeutectic gray iron was carried out. The thermal analysis results were used to construct the DSCs of both these casting methods under non-equilibrium solidification conditions. The results show that the transformation rate of non-equilibrium solidification in hypoeutectic gray cast iron is greater than that of equilibrium solidification. The eutectic solidification region presents a typical mushy solidification mode. The results also indicate that the primary austenite precipitation zone of lost-foam casting is slightly larger than that of green sand casting. At the same time, the solid fraction(f_s) of the dendrite coherency points in lost-foam casting is greater than that in the green sand casting. Therefore, from these two points, lost-foam casting is more preferable for reduction of shrinkage and mechanical burntin sand tendency of the hypoeutectic gray cast iron. Due to the fact that the solidification process(from the surface to center) at primary austenite growth area in the lost-foam cylinder sample lags behind that in the green sand casting, the mushy solidification tendency of lost-foam casting is greater and the solidification time is longer.

Effects of process parameters on morphology and distribution of externally solidified crystals in microstructure of magnesium alloy die castings

During the cold-chamber high pressure die casting(HPDC) process, samples were produced to investigate the microstructure characteristics of AM60B magnesium alloy. Special attention was paid to the effects of process parameters on the morphology and distribution of externally solidified crystals(ESCs) in the microstructure of magnesium alloy die castings, such as slow shot phase plunger velocity, delay time of pouring and fast shot phase plunger velocity. On the basis of metallographic observation and quantitative statistics, it is concluded that a lower slow shot phase plunger velocity and a longer delay time of pouring both lead to an increment of the size and percentage of the ESCs, due to the fact that a longer holding time of the melt in the shot sleeve will cause a more severe loss of the superheat. The impingement of the melt flow on the ESCs is more intensive with a higher fast shot phase plunger velocity, in such case the ESCs reveal a more granular and roundish morphology and are dispersed throughout the cross section of the castings. Based on analysis of the filling and solidification processes of the melt during the HPDC process, reasonable explanations were proposed in terms of the nucleation, growth, remelting and fragmentation of the ESCs to interpret the effects of process parameters on the morphology and distribution of the ESCs in the microstructure of magnesium alloy die castings.