Filling mode and regularity of vertical centrifugal casting process of titanium alloy in thin-walled cylinder cavity

The mold filling process of titanium alloy in a thin-walled cylinder cavity under vertical centrifugal casting process was studied by means of the hydraulic simulation experiments. Results show that the filling mode of the melt in the cylinder cavity varies with casting wall-thickness. When the casting wall-thickness is less than or equal to the thickness of the first layer during the filling process, the melts fill the cavity from the bottom to the top.When the casting wall-thickness is greater than the thickness of the first layer during the filling process, the melts first fill the largest radius parts of the cavity with a certain thickness of the first layer from the bottom to the top of the cavity, and then they fill the cavity from the larger radius part to the smaller radius part. The melt filling ability increases with the increment of the mold rotational speed and the pouring temperature. In another aspect, the melt filling ability rises with the decrement of the melt viscosity, and the melt with the better filling ability is prone to fill the cylinder cavity layer by layer.

Physical Simulation of Mold-Filling Processing of Thin-Walled Castings under Traveling Magnetic Field

Mold-filling process of thin-walled castings under the condition of traveling magnetic field has been studied by physical simulation method using gallium melt and fast speed photography. Flow morphology and its formation mechanism were obtained and discussed for thin-walled casting. The influences of magnetic field density on the filling ability, filling velocity and mold filling time have been studied. The differences in filling capability between gravity casting and casting under the traveling magnetic field have been compared. The results indicate that the mold filling ability of the gallium melt increases greatly under the condition of traveling magnetic field; the filling time is shortened from 18 s under gravity field to 3 s under the traveling magnetic field and average flow rate of the melt increases from 1.6 to 8.68 cm3/s; the change law of the cross-section morphology of the gallium melt during the mold filling is that at first, the cross-section area does not change, then it decreases gradually. When the front of the melt reaches the end of the mold cavity, the front melt will backfill the mold; the wider the width of mold cavity, the better the mold filling ability. The mold filling ability of gallium melt in mold with upper magnetic conductor is better than that without upper magnetic conductor.

Eliminating shrinkage defects and improving mechanical performance of large thin-walled ZL205A alloy castings by coupling travelling magnetic fields with sequential solidification

ZL205 A alloys with large thin-walled shape were continuously processed by coupling travelling magnetic fields(TMF)with sequential solidification,to eliminate the shrinkage defects and optimize the mechanical performance.Through experiments and simulations,the parameter optimization of TMF and the influence on feeding behavior,microstructure and properties were systematically studied.The results indicate that the magnetic force maximizes at the excitation current of 20 A and frequency of 200 Hz under the experimental conditions of this study,and increases from center to side-walls,which is more convenient to process thin-walled castings.TMF can break secondary dendritic arm and dendrites overlaps,widen feeding channels,prolong the feeding time,optimize the feeding paths,eliminate shrinkage defects and improve properties.Specifically,for as-cast state,TMF with excitation current of 20 A increases ultimate tensile strength,elongation and micro-hardness from 186 MPa,7.3%and 82.1 kg/mm^(2) to 221 MPa,11.7%and 100.5 kg/mm^(2),decreases porosity from 1.71%to 0.22%,and alters brittle fracture to ductile fracture.

Numerical simulation for mold-filling of thin-walled aluminum alloy castings in traveling magnetic field

The numerical simulation for mold-filling of thin-walled aluminum alloy castings in horizontal traveling magnetic field is performed. A force model of Al alloy melt in the traveling magnetic field is founded by analyzing traveling magnetic field carefully. Numerical model of Al alloy mold-filling is founded based on N-S equation, which was suitable for traveling magnetic field. By using acryl glass mold with indium as alloy melt, the experiment testified the filling state of alloy in traveling magnetic field. The results of numerical simulation indicate that the mold-filling ability of gallium melt increases continually with the increase of the input ampere turns.

A Quick and Practical Approach for Concept-design of Submerged Thin-walled Stiffened Cylinders

Goal based and limit state design is nowadays a well-established approach in many engineering fields.Ship construction rules started introducing such concepts since early 2000.However,classification societies’rules do not provide hints on how to verify limit states and to determine the structural layout of submerged thin-walled stiffened cylinders,whose most prominent examples are submarines.Rather,they generally offer guidance and prescriptive formulations to assess shell plating and stiffening members.Such marine structures are studied,designed and built up to carry payloads below the sea surface.In the concept-design stage,the maximum operating depth is the governing hull scantling parameter.Main dimensions are determined based on the analysis of operational requirements.This study proposes a practical conceptdesign approach for conceptual submarine design,aimed at obtaining hull structures that maximize the payload capacity in terms of available internal volume by suitably adjusting structural layout and stiffening members’scantling,duly accounting for robustness and construction constraints as well as practical fabrication issues.The proposed scantling process highlights that there is no need of complex algorithms if sound engineering judgment is applied in setting down rationally the hull scantling problem.A systematic approach based on a computer-coded procedure developed on purpose was effectively implemented and satisfactorily applied in design practice.

Solidified structure of thin-walled titanium parts by vertical centrifugal casting

The solidified structure of the thin-walled and complicated Ti-6AI-4V castings produced by the vertical centrifugal casting process was studied in the present work. The results show that the wall thickness of the section is featured with homogeneously distributed fine equiaxial grains, compared with the microstructure of the thick-walled section. The grain size of the castings has a tendency to decrease gradually with the increasing of the centrifugal radius. The inter-lamellar space in thick-walled casting parts is bigger than that of the thin-walled parts, and the profile of inter-lamellar space is not susceptible to the centrifugal radius.

Die Casting Mold Design of the Thin-walled Aluminum Case by Computational Solidification Simulation

Recently, demand for the lightweight alloy in electric/electronic housings has been greatly increased. However, among the lightweight alloys, aluminum alloy thin-walled die casting is problematic because it is quite difficult to achieve sufficient fluidity and feedability to fill the thin cavity as the wall thickness becomes less than 1mm. Therefore, in this study, thin-walled die casting of aluminum （Al-Si-Cu alloy： ALDC 12） in size of notebook computer housing and thickness of 0.8 mm was investigated by solidification simulation （MAGMA soft） and actual casting experiment （Buhler Evolution B 53D）. Three different types of gating design, finger, tangential and split type with 6 vertical runners, were simulated and the results showed that sound thin-walled die casting was possible with tangential and split type gating design because those gates allowed aluminum melt to flow into the thin cavity uniformly and split type gating system was preferable gating design comparing to tangential type gating system at the point of view of soundness of casting and distortion generated after solidification. Also, the solidification simulation agreed well with the actual die-casting and the casting showed no casting defects and distortion.

Application of complex inoculants in improving the processability of grey cast iron for cylinder blocks

Effect of several complex inoculants on mechanical properties, process-ability and sensibility of grey cast iron used in cylinder block were investigated. The experimental results showed that the grey cast iron treated with 60%FeSi75+40%RE complex inoculants has tensile strength consistently at about 295 MPa along with good hardness and improved metallurgy quality. While the grey cast iron inoculated with 20%FeSi75+80%Sr compound inoculants has the best process-ability, the lowest cross-section sensibility and the least microhardness difference. The wear amount of the drill increases correspondingly with the increase of the microhardness difference of matrix structure, indicating the great effect of homogeneousness of matrix structure in the grey cast iron on the machinability of the grey cast iron.

Grain refinement of gravity die cast secondary AlSi7Cu3Mg alloys for automotive cylinder heads

The effects of AITi5B1 grain refinement and cooling rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a secondary AlSi7Cu3Mg alloy were reported. Metallographic and image analysis techniques have been used to quantitatively examine the macrostructural and microstructural changes occurring with the addition of grain-refining agent at different cooling rates by using a step casting die. The results indicate that the addition of AlTi5B1 produces a fine and uniform grain structure throughout the casting and this effect is more pronounced in the slowly solidified regions. Increasing the cooling rate, lower amount of grain refiner is necessary to produce a uniform grain size throughout the casting. On the other hand, the initial contents of Ti and B, present as impurity elements in the supplied secondary alloy, are not sufficient to produce an effective grain refinement. The results from the step casting geometry were applied to investigate a gasoline 16V cylinder head, which was produced by gravity semi-permanent mould technology. The grain refinement improves the plastic behaviour of the alloy and increases the reliability of the casting, as evidenced by the Weibull statistics.

Quantitative models for microstructure and thermal conductivity of vermicular graphite cast iron cylinder block based on cooling rate

The relationships of cooling rate with microstructure and thermal conductivity of vermicular graphite cast iron(VGI) cylinder block were studied, which are important for design and optimization of the casting process of VGI cylinder blocks. Cooling rates at different positions in the cylinder block were calculated based on the cooling curves recorded with a solidification simulation software. The metallographic structure and thermal conductivity were observed and measured using optical microscopy(OM), scanning electrical microscopy(SEM) and laser flash diffusivity apparatus, respectively. The effects of the cooling rate on the vermicularity, total and average areas of all graphite particles, and the pearlite fraction in the VGI cylinder block were investigated. It is found that the vermicularity changes in parabola trend with the increase of cooling rate. The total area of graphite particles and the cooling rate at eutectoid stage can be used to predict pearlite fraction well. Moreover, it is found that the thermal conductivity at room temperature is determined by the average area of graphite particles and pearlite fraction when the range of vermicularity is from 80% to 93%. Finally, the quantitative models are established to calculate the vermicularity, pearlite fraction, and thermal conductivity of the VGI cylinder block.

Production technique of vermicular graphite iron cylinder head of vehicle diesel engine

The 25 years＇ production and application have proved that vermicular graphite iron cylinder heads with vermicularity ≥50% satisfy the machinability and performance demand of diesel engine. The method, in which using cupola-induction furnace duplex melting and pour-over process with rare earth-ferrosilicon or rare earthsilicon compound as vermJcularizing alloy plus rare earth-magnesium-ferrosilicon as stirring alloy, is an optimal vermicularizing process for obtaining satisfied vermicularity. Using top kiss risers, enlarging kissing areas and expanding covering width and making ingates to freeze earlier are the effective measures to eliminate shrinkage, blowhole and oxide inclusions in the vermicular graphite iron cylinder heads.

Optimization of casting conditions for heat and abrasion resistant large grey iron castings

Numerical simulation technology was applied for optimizing the casting design and conditions in large cast iron castings for marine engine. By the simulation of mold filling and solidification sequences the problems of the previous casting conditions were analyzed and marked improvements for large cylinder liner parts were derived from these results. Especially the amount and positions of chills were optimized to increase the mechanical properties and to minimize the shrinkage and microporosity in the castings. Ultrasonic testing, penetration testing and mechanical property testing were carried out for the parts with the modified casting conditions. It showed that no defects in the castings were found and the productivity could be distinctly increased. The mechanical properties satisfied also the specification demanded.

基于AnyCasting的镁合金缸盖结构设计与工艺参数优化

在实际压铸试验的基础上,提出了合理的铸件结构和压铸工艺参数。利用AnyCasting软件求解了不同工艺参数和铸件结构对铸件充型、凝固过程的影响规律。在现有的镁合金汽车缸盖铸件条件下,根据凝固规律重点研究了铸件中可能存在的缩松、缩孔分布与尺寸。结果表明:优化的铸件结构以及优化的压铸工艺参数(浇注温度680℃,模具温度190℃,冲头低速速度0.2 m/s,高速压射速度为6 m/s,真空度30 kPa)能够明显降低铸件凝固时间以及减少铸件内部缩松、缩孔数量;同时在优化设计的基础上,结合阿基米德原理和力学性能测试验证了工艺参数和铸件结构的合理性,生产出了具有致密微观组织的镁合金零件。

基于ProCAST的汽车缸套离心铸造数值模拟研究

建立了汽车缸套离心铸造凝固过程数值分析的数学及物理模型,阐述了离心铸造凝固的数值模拟方法,求解得到了汽车缸套离心铸造过程中的温度场、液固相分布及缩孔缩松状况。总结了汽车缸套的一般凝固规律,为汽车缸套的铸造工艺优化设计提供了数值依据。

Microstructure and mechanical properties of BFe10 cupronickel alloy tubes fabricated by a horizontal continuous casting with heating-cooling combined mold technology

A new horizontal continuous casting method with heating-cooling combined mold （HCCM） technology was explored for fabri- cating high-quality thin-wall cupronickel alloy tubes used for heat exchange pipes. The microstructure and mechanical properties of BFe 10 cupronickel alloy tubes fabricated by HCCM and traditional continuous casting （cooling mold casting） were comparatively investigated. The results show that the tube fabricated by HCCM has smooth internal and external surfaces without any defects, and its internal and external surface roughnesses are 0.64 μm and 0.85 μm, respectively. The tube could be used for subsequent cold processing without other treatments such as surface planning, milling and acid-washing. This indicates that HCCM can effectively reduce the process flow and improve the pro- duction efficiency of a BFel0 cupronickel alloy tube. The tube has columnar grains along its axial direction with a major casting texture of {012}〈 621 〉. Compared with cooling mold casting （6 = 36.5%）, HCCM can improve elongation （3 = 46.3%） by 10% with a slight loss of strength, which indicates that HCCM remarkably improves the cold extension performance of a BFe 10 cupronickel alloy tube.

Chatter stability and precision during high-speed ultrasonic vibration cutting of a thin-walled titanium cylinder

Titanium alloys are widely used in the aviation and aerospace industries due to their unique mechanical and physical properties.Specifically,thin-walled titanium(Ti)cylinders have received increasing attention for their applications as rocket engine casings,aircraft landing gear,and aero-engine hollow shaft due to their observed improvement in the thrust-to-weight ratio.However,the conventional cutting(CC)process is not appropriate for thin-walled Ti cylinders due to its low thermal conductivity,high strength,and low stiffness.Instead,high-speed ultrasonic vibration cutting(HUVC)assisted processing has recently proved highly effective for Ti-alloy machining.In this study,HUVC technology is employed to perform external turning of a thinwalled Ti cylinder,which represents a new application of HUVC.First,the kinematics,tool path,and dynamic cutting thickness of HUVC are evaluated.Second,the phenomenon of mode-coupling chatter is analyzed to determine the effects and mechanism of HUVC by establishing a critical cutting thickness model.HUVC can increase the critical cutting thickness and effectively reduce the average cutting force,thus reducing the energy intake of the system.Finally,comparison experiments are conducted between HUVC and CC processes.The results indicate that the diameter error rate is 10%or less for HUVC and 51%for the CC method due to a 40%reduction in the cutting force.In addition,higher machining precision and better surface roughness are achieved during thin-walled Ti cylinder manufacturing using HUVC.

基于ProCAST的发动机缸体消失模铸造工艺分析与生产实践

使用中间注入式浇注系统对某发动机缸体进行了铸造工艺设计,利用ProCAST软件对铸造过程进行充型模拟与凝固模拟。根据模拟出的缺陷对发动机缸体消失模铸造的工艺参数进行了改进。按照改进后的工艺参数进行生产,并对出现的缺陷进行分析和改进。模拟与试生产结果表明:浇注温度1560℃,负压值-0.05 MPa,局部涂料厚度2mm时,能够生产出合格的铸件。

Effect of Asynchronous Adjustments of Clamping Cylinders on Triangular Crack of Slab Castings Under Application of Soft Reduction

Soft reduction is known to be one of the best ways to improve the internal quality of slab castings such as center segregation, center porosity, centerline or triangular zone cracks, which is based on a proper adoption of the amount of reduction upon the given final solidification zone through roll gap adjustments. The synchronization of the clamping cylinders for roll gap adjustments should be very important to the application of soft reduction, including the synchronization of the clamping cylinders adjustments in the same and different segments. The synchronization of clamping cylinders adjustments is mainly affected by the adjustable accuracy of the four position-controlled clamping cylinders mounted in the upper frames of the segments according to a predetermined transformation relationship between the signals of displacement sensors and aimed roll gap, which, however, is also influenced by the installation accuracy, the precision of displacement sensors, the deformation of the segment frames and/or its bearing pedestals. Due to the actual asynchronous adjustments of the four clamping cylinders, the dynamic soft reduction operation is normally applied at non-ideal mechanical conditions. Here 7 possible situations of asynchronous adjustments of the local segments which may induce gap deviation have been presented. The roll gap deviation in the soft reduction region of a slab casting has been studied by a 3-D visco-elastic plastic FEM model, through which the additional inter-roll bulging, the related triangular cracks induced by one kind of the possible asynchronous adjustment situation and the effectiveness of soft reduction have been analyzed. A critical tolerance for the gap adjustments has been proposed for better contribution of soft reduction to the internal quality of slabs.

Effect of depressurizing speed on mold filling behavior and entrainment of oxide film in vacuum suction casting of A356 alloy

The effect of depressurizing speed on mold filling behavior and entrainment of oxide film of A356 alloy was studied. Themold filling behavior and velocity fields were recorded by water simulation with particle image velocimetry. The results show thatthe gate velocity first increased dramatically, then changed with the depressurizing speed: the gate velocity increased slowly atrelatively high depressurizing speed; at reasonable depressurizing speed, the gate velocity kept unchanged; while at lowerdepressurizing speed, the gate velocity decreased firstly and then kept unchanged. High gate velocity results in melt falling backunder gravity at higher speed. The falling velocity is the main factor of oxide film entrainment in vacuum suction casting. The designcriterion of depressurizing rate was deduced, and the A356 alloy castings were poured to test the formula. The four-point bend testand Weibull probability plots were applied to assessing the fracture mechanisms of the as-cast A356 alloy. The results illuminate amethod on designing suitable depressurizing speed for mold filling in vacuum suction casting.

基于ProCast的大型柴油发动机缸体工艺设计

利用ProCast铸造数值模拟软件对某大型柴油发动机缸体的3种铸造工艺方案进行了模拟分析。通过对充型速度、充型情况、型砂温度等方面的分析与研究,得出在缸体最大横截面设置内浇道的中注式浇注系统为3种铸造方案中的最优方案。