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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Microstructural characteristics of near-liquidus cast AZ91D alloy during semi-solid die casting

Near-liquidus cast ingot was reheated to semi-solid firstly, and then a bracket of motor was prepared by die casting the semi-solid ingot into mould. The microstructural characteristics of AZ91D alloy in these processes were investigated. In the process of near-liquidus casting, primary α-Mg grains tend to be rosette-like because of the increase of plentiful quasi-solid atom clusters in molten alloy with the decrease of pouring temperature. These rosette-like a-Mg grains in ingots fabricated by near-liquidus casting are fused off and refined into near-globular structure owing to the solute diffusion mechanism and the minimum surface energy mechanism during reheating. After semi-solid die-casting, a-Mg grains, located in biscuit, impact and connect with each other; α-Mg grains, located in inner gate, congregate together; while α-Mg grains, located in component, distribute uniformly and become into globularity or strip. Because the inner gate limits the flowing of semi-solid slurry, and the pressure acted on the semi-solid slurry decreases gradually along the filling direction of semi-solid slurry in Cavity, microstructural segregation of unmelted a-Mg grains appears along this direction. Shrinkage holes in casting are caused by two different reasons. For biscuit, the shrinkage holes are caused by the blocked access of feeding liquid to the shrinkage zone for the agglomerated unmelted α-Mg grains. For component, the shrinkage holes are caused by the lack of feeding of liquid alloy.

Mathematical modeling of thermo-mechanical behavior of strip during twin roll casting of an AZ31 magnesium alloy

The effect of set-back distance on the thermo-mechanical behavior of the strip during twin roll casting(TRC)of an AZ31 magnesium alloy was modeled using finite element method(FEM).Model validation was done by comparing the predicted and measured exit strip surface temperature as well as the secondary dendrite arm spacing(SDAS)through the thickness of the sheet to those measured during experiments.Model results showed as the set-back distance increases,the strip exit temperature decreases and the solidification front moves toward the entry of the roll gap.The cast strip also experiences more plastic deformation and consequently,the normal stress on the strip surface and effective strain at the strip center-line increase.Moreover,higher separating forces were predicted for longer set-back distances.Model predictions showed that changing the set-back distance by varying the final thickness has a more significant effect on the temperature and stress-strain fields than altering the nozzle opening height.

Using finite difference method to simulate casting thermal stress

Thermal stress simulation can provide a scientific reference to eliminate defects such as crack,residual stress centralization and deformation etc.,caused by thermal stress during casting solidification.To study the thermal stress distribution during casting process,a unilateral thermal-stress coupling model was employed to simulate 3D casting stress using Finite Difference Method(FDM),namely all the traditional thermal-elastic-plastic equations are numerically and differentially discrete.A FDM/FDM numerical simulation system was developed to analyze temperature and stress fields during casting solidification process.Two practical verifications were carried out,and the results from simulation basically coincided with practical cases.The results indicated that the FDM/FDM stress simulation system can be used to simulate the formation of residual stress,and to predict the occurrence of hot tearing.Because heat transfer and stress analysis are all based on FDM,they can use the same FD model,which can avoid the matching process between different models,and hence reduce temperature-load transferring errors.This approach makes the simulation of fluid flow,heat transfer and stress analysis unify into one single model.

Optimal design of feeding system in steel casting by constrained optimization algorithms based on InteCAST

The traditional foundry industry has developed rapidly in recently years due to advancements in computer technology. Modifying and designing the feeding system has become more convenient with the help of the casting software, Inte CAST. A common method of designing a feeding system is to first design the initial systems, run simulations with casting software, analyze the feedback, and then redesign. In this work, genetic, fruit fly, and interior point optimizer(IPOPT) algorithms were introduced to guide the optimal riser design for the feeding system. The results calculated by the three optimal algorithms indicate that the riser volume has a weak relationship with the modulus constraint; while it has a close relationship with the volume constraint. Based on the convergence rate, the fruit fly algorithm was obviously faster than the genetic algorithm. The optimized riser was also applied during casting, and was simulated using Inte CAST. The numerical simulation results reveal that with the same riser volume, the riser optimized by the genetic and fruit fly algorithms has a similar improvement on casting shrinkage. The IPOPT algorithm has the advantage of causing the smallest shrinkage porosities, compared to those of the genetic and fruit fly algorithms, which were almost the same.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91-Ca magnesium alloy cast by different processes

The microstructure and mechanical properties of magnesium （Mg） alloys are significantly influenced by the casting process. In this paper, a comparative study on microstructure and mechanical properties at ambient and elevated temperatures of AZ91-2wt.% Ca （AZX912） Mg alloy samples prepared by gravity casting （GC）, squeeze casting （SC） and rheo-squeeze casting （RSC）, respectively, was carried out. The results show that mMg grains in SC and RSC samples are significantly refined compared to the GC sample. The average secondary dendritic arm spacing of AZX912 alloy samples decreases in the order of GC, SC and RSC. As testing temperature increases from 25 ~C to 200 ~C, strength of AZX912 alloy samples is reduced, while their elongation is increased continuously. Compared to GC and SC processes, RSC process can improve the mechanical properties of AZX912 alloy at both ambient and elevated temperatures. The enhancement of mechanical properties of RSC sample over GC and SC samples mainly results from grain refinement in the as-cast microstructure of AZX912 alloy.

Diagnosis parameters of mold filling pattern for optimization of a casting system

For optimal design of a gating system,the setting of diagnosis parameters is very important.In this study,the permanent mold casting process was selected because most of the other casting processes have more complicated factors that influence the mold filling pattern compared to the permanent mold casting process,such as the surface roughness of mold,gas generation from the mold wash and binder of sand mold,and the gas permeability through a sand mold,etc.Two diagnosis parameters(flow rate difference and arrival time difference) of molten metal flow pattern in the numerical simulation are suggested for design of an optimum casting system with a permanent mold.The results show that the arrival time difference can be used as one important diagnosis parameter of the complexity of the runner system and its usefulness has been verified via making aluminum parts using permanent mold casting(Fig.9).