Numerical Simulation of Solidification Process on Single Crystal Ni-Based Superalloy Investment Castings

Bridgman directional solidification of investment castings is a key technology for the production of reliable and highly efficient gas turbine blades. In this paper, a mathematical model for three-dimensional （3D） simulation of solidification process of single crystal investment castings was developed based on basic heat transfer equations. Complex heat radiation among the multiple blade castings and the furnace wall was considered in the model. Temperature distribution and temperature gradient in superalloy investment castings of single blade and multiple ones were investigated, respectively. The calculated cooling curves were compared with the experimental results and agreed well with the latter. It is indicated that the unsymmetrical temperature distribution and curved liquid-solid interface caused by the circle distribution of multiple turbine blades are probably main reasons why the stray grain and other casting defects occur in the turbine blade.

Solidification Simulation of Single Crystal Investment Castings

The three dimensional solidification simulation of the single crystal investment castings at withdrawal rates of 2 mm祄in, 4.5 mm祄in and 7 mm祄in was performed with the finite element thermal analysis method. The calculated results were in accordance with the experimental ones. The results showed that with the increase of with-drawal rate the concave curvature of the liquidus isotherm was bigger and bigger and the temperature gradient of the castings decreased. No effects of withdrawal rate on the distribution of the temperature gradient of the starter and helical grain selector of the castings were observed at withdrawal rates of 2 mm祄in, 4.5 mm祄in and 7mm祄in. The relatively high temperature gradient between 500癈礳m and 1000癈礳m in the starter and helical grain selector was obtained at three withdrawal rates. The study indicates the three dimensional solidification simulation by finite element method is a powerful tool for understanding solidification and predicting defects in single crystal investment castings.

Solidification Simulation of Investment Castings of Single Crystal Hollow Turbine Blade

The three-dimensional solidification simulation of the investment castings of single crystal hollow turbine blade at the withdrawal rates of 2 mm/min, 4.5 mm/min and 7 mm/min has been performed with the finite element thermal analysis. The calculated results are in accordance with the experimental ones. The results show that with the increase of withdrawal rate the concave curvature of the liquidus isotherm is larger and larger, and the temperature gradients of the blades increase. No effects of withdrawal rate on the distribution of the temperature gradients of the starter and helical grain selector of the blades are observed at withdrawal rates of 2 mm/min, 4.5 mm/min and 7 mm/min. The relatively high temperature gradient between 500℃/cm and 1000℃/cm in the starter and helical grain selector is obtained at three withdrawal rates.

Multiscale modelling and simulation of single crystal superalloy turbine blade casting during directional solidification process

As the key parts of an aero-engine,single crystal(SX)superalloy turbine blades have been the focus of much attention.However,casting defects often occur during the manufacturing process of the SX turbine blades.Modeling and simulation technology can help to optimize the manufacturing process of SX blades.Multiscale coupled models were proposed and used to simulate the physical phenomena occurring during the directional solidification(DS)process.Coupled with heat transfer(macroscale)and grain growth(meso-scale),3D dendritic grain growth was calculated to show the competitive grain growth at micro-scale.SX grain selection behavior was studied by the simulation and experiments.The results show that the geometrical structure and technical parameters had strong influences on the grain selection effectiveness.Based on the coupled models,heat transfer,grain growth and microstructure evolution of a complex hollow SX blade were simulated.Both the simulated and experimental results show that the stray grain occurred at the platform of the SX blade when a constant withdrawal rate was used in manufacturing process.In order to avoid the formation of the stray crystal,the multi-scale coupled models and the withdrawal rate optimized technique were applied to the same SX turbine blade.The modeling results indicated that the optimized variable withdrawal rate can achieve SX blade castings with no stray grains,which was also proved by the experiments.

Temperature evolution and grain defect formation during single crystal solidification of a blade cluster

In order to investigate the asymmetry of thermal conditions during directional solidification, the temperature evolution and correspondingly developed undercooling in a simplified single crystal blade cluster were numerically simulated. Simulation results demonstrate that the temperature distribution at the blade platforms is obviously asymmetrical. On the outside of the blade which directly faces the heating element, the liquidus(TL) isotherms progress relatively smoothly. On the inside of the blades facing the central rod, however, the TLisotherms are in concave shape and the slope goes upwards to the platform extremities. The average undercooling extent ?T and undercooling time ?t at the inside are much higher than those at the outside. It was then predicted that the inside platform extremities have significantly higher probabilities of stray grain formation compared to the outside ones. A corresponding experiment was carried out and the metallographic examination exhibited the same side-and height-dependence of stray grain formation in the blades as predicted. On the inside of the blades, all platforms are occupied by stray grains, while the platforms on the outside are nearly stray grain free. The simulation result agrees very well with the experimental observation.

CA Investment Casting Process of Complex Castings

CA (Computer aided) investment casting technique used in superalloy castings of aerospace engine parts was presented. CA investment casting integrated computer application, RP (Rapid Prototyping) process, solidification simulation and investment casting process. It broke the bottle neck of making metal die. Solid model of complex parts were produced by UGII or other software, then translated into STL(Stereolithography) file, after RP process of SLS(Selective Laser Sintering), wax pattern used in investment casting can be acquired without metal die in short time. These can reduce period and cost greatly of complex superalloy parts development of engine. The key processes of CA investment casting were discussed. The accuracy of model translation should match that of RP system. Choice of RP material, surface polishing, sintering parameter plays important role in RP process. Other processes, like solidification simulating and optimization of gate system were introduced. The conclusion was that complex parts can be produced by CA investment casting with lots of advantages. The accuracy of castings can reach CT5～7,and the smoothness can get Ra3～13 mm. These parts of engines worked well.

Effect of mould baffle technology on stray grain formation in single crystal blades by integral fabrication based on 3D printing

Stray grains,the most serious casting defect,mainly occur in the platform because of the abrupt transition of the cross-section in the directional solidification of superalloy single-crystal blades.A new mould baffle technology based on 3D printing and gelcasting is proposed herein to reduce the formation of stray grains in the platform.The influence of the proposed mould baffle technology on the temperature field in the platform during solidification was investigated by simulation and experiment.The numerical simulation results indicate that the proposed mould baffle technology can effectively hinder the radiation and heat dissipation at the platform extremities,and therefore,reduce undercooling in the platform and the formation of stray grains during directional solidification.Casting trials of a hollow turbine blade were conducted using CMSX-4 superalloy.The trial results demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach for manufacturing single-crystal superalloy blades.

Numerical simulation on directional solidification and heat treatment processes of turbine blades

Study on turbine blades is crucial due to their critical role in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of aircraft engines.Nickel-based single crystal superalloys are extensively used in the hot manufacturing of turbine blades due to their exceptional high-temperature mechanical properties.The hot manufacturing of single crystal blades involves directional solidification and heat treatment.Experimental manufacturing of these blades is time-consuming,capital-intensive,and often insufficient to meet industrial demands.Numerical simulation techniques have gained widespread acceptance in blade manufacturing research due to their low energy consumption,high efficiency,and rapid turnaround time.This article introduces the modeling and simulation of hot manufacturing in single crystal blades.The discussion outlines the prevalent mathematical models employed in numerical simulations related to blade hot manufacturing.It encapsulates the advancements in research concerning macro to micro-level numerical simulation techniques for directional solidification and heat treatment processes.Furthermore,potential future trajectories for the numerical simulation of single crystal blade hot manufacturing are also discussed.

Generation mechanism and motion behavior of sliver defect in single crystal Ni-based superalloy

Sliver is a common but easily neglected defect in single crystal Ni-based superalloy castings.To date,there is still no unified viewpoint on its formation mechanism and generation causes.In this work,the orientation discontinuity and motion behavior of sliver defects were studied through experiments and numerical simulations.The ultrathin wedge-shaped specimen containing the grain boundary of the sliver and the matrix was prepared at the initial position of the sliver defect for the observation of equal thick-ness fringes.The discontinuity of equal thickness fringes on both sides of the grain boundary was ob-served through a transmission electron microscope,which directly confirms the abrupt change in the orientation between the sliver and matrix from the nanoscale.The crystal lattices at the smooth area and the bulging area of the grain boundary were found to have unusually different arrangements.The irregular lattice arrangement at the bulging area shows that the grain boundary has experienced high-stress deformation.Statistical results of sliver orientation deviation with a further composition analysis show the micro protuberance of the mold shell has a noticeable inductive effect on the sliver generation.Furthermore,a self-developed three-dimensional phase-field simulation model coupled with the spatial topology algorithm is established to simulate the orientation deflection behavior and orientation devia-tion threshold of fractured dendrites.The simulation results indicated that there is an upper limit of the cross-section solid fraction at the fracture position for the motion of the fractured dendrites.When the cross-section solid fraction at the fracture position is higher than this upper limit,it will be difficult to produce large deviation slivers due to the structural limitation of surrounding dendrites.This upper limit does not change with the solidification temperature gradient.

A new approach to develop complicated superalloy castings

An integrative computer aided investment casting (CAIC) technology for making complicated superalloy castings was described. Key processes of CAIC were discussed including the choice of SLS (Selectively Laser Sintering) materials, sintering parameters, solidification simulation and gating and risering system optimization. Using CAIC process, many large-sized quality superalloy castings with complicated shape and thin wall have been produced successfully and economically in Central Iron & steel Research Institute (CISRI).

Novel casting processes for single-crystal turbine blades of superalloys

This paper presents a brief review of the current casting techniques for single-crystal （SC） blades, as well as an analysis of the solidification process in complex turbine blades. A series of novel casting methods based on the Bridgman process were presented to illustrate the development in the production of SC blades from super- alloys. The grain continuator and the heat conductor techniques were developed to remove geometry-related grain defects. In these techniques, the heat barrier that hinders lateral SC growth from the blade airfoil into the extremities of the platform is minimized. The parallel heating and cooling system was developed to achieve symmetric thermal conditions for SC solidification in blade clusters, thus considerably decreasing the negative shadow effect and its related defects in the current Bridgman process. The dipping and heaving technique, in which thin- shell molds are utilized, was developed to enable the establishment of a high temperature gradient for SC growth and the freckle-free solidification of superalloy castings. Moreover, by applying the targeted cooling and heating technique, a novel concept for the three-dimen- sional and precise control of SC growth, a proper thermal arrangement may be dynamically established for the microscopic control of SC growth in the critical areas of large industrial gas turbine blades.

叶片排列方式对一种第四代单晶高温合金叶片杂晶影响的数值模拟研究

针对组模生产第四代单晶高温合金叶片时由于温度场不均匀导致的缘板杂晶问题,采用有限元模拟软件ProCAST对叶片在组模中以不同方式排列时凝固过程的温度场和晶粒组织进行模拟计算,并且分析了添加引晶杆对杂晶的影响。结果表明,在组模生产时,由于中柱的保温作用小,导致横向温度场不均匀,叶片以0°排列时,缘板边角靠近中柱,其凝固过程中温度下降较快,会在边角形成大的过冷,同时凝固过程的温度梯度较小,枝晶生长慢,杂晶的形成倾向最大。随着排列角度的增加,横向温度场的不均匀性得到改善,但由于第四代合金形核过冷度小,在缘板位置都会有杂晶形成。添加引晶杆可以消除缘板杂晶,但对于叶片以0°排列时,由于叶片进气边靠近中柱,会在引晶杆内产生杂晶。叶片以90°排列时,横向温度场较为均匀,添加的引晶杆内不会产生杂晶,同时组模直径小,可以降低对炉体型腔的尺寸要求,有望成为生产高代次单晶叶片的最优排列方式。

型壳加热温度对单晶高温合金显微组织及“雀斑”形成的影响

利用所设计的阶梯试样进行定向凝固试验和模拟,研究定向凝固过程型壳加热温度对单晶高温合金铸件显微组织和“雀斑”形成的影响。分析糊状区的温度场及形貌。结果表明,升高型壳加热温度,一次和二次枝晶间距减小,糊状区液相的渗透率和对流通道的宽度降低,“雀斑”形成倾向性降低,“雀斑”宽度减小,“雀斑”区域枝晶碎片减少。此外,随着型壳加热温度的升高,糊状区液相冷却速率增加,糊状区熔体的冷却时间减少,液体流动对枝晶的破碎程度得到削弱,这进一步降低单晶高温合金铸件“雀斑”形成的倾向性。

数值模拟在单晶高温合金熔模铸造中的应用

由于单晶高温合金消除了晶界这一高温薄弱结构,已成为航空发动机首选的热端部件材料。为了满足航空发动机对推重比和涡轮燃气温度的更高需求,新型单晶高温合金中添加了越来越多的Re、Ru等难熔元素,致使单晶制备过程中缺陷形成倾向显著提高,研制周期和研制成本明显增加,严重限制了单晶高温合金的产业化应用。近年来,随着计算方法和熔模铸造技术的发展,数值模拟在单晶高温合金制备领域中得到了越来越广泛的应用,已成为减少单晶铸造缺陷,获得高质量单晶铸件的重要手段。以商用铸造模拟软件Procast为例,对单晶高温合金定向凝固过程的温度场分布和组织演化进行了分析,综述了数值模拟在单晶熔模铸造研究中的应用现状。首先,介绍了数值模拟中的前处理过程,即几何建模、网格划分等,强调了前处理过程的注意事项。随后,根据已有文献,分析了数值模拟技术在研究温度场和晶粒组织演化过程的作用。最后,指出数值模拟技术在单晶高温合金熔模铸造领域进一步发展需要解决的问题。

镍基单晶涡轮叶片定向凝固过程温度场数值模拟研究进展

作为先进航空发动机不可缺少的核心部件之一,镍基单晶涡轮叶片(简称单晶叶片)的空心结构尺寸精度、合金元素的分布均匀性和表面及内腔冶金质量等要求极为苛刻。研究发现,定向凝固过程中温度梯度的控制直接影响单晶叶片性能和质量,能否持续获得稳定热流成为定向凝固技术的关键。随着计算机技术的不断进步,数值模拟已经成为单晶叶片定向凝固研究的重要手段之一。首先,对单晶叶片制备技术进行了介绍,分析了定向凝固过程中的传热方式。其次,总结了数值模拟界面换热系数边界条件的优化方法,重点介绍了Beck非线性估算法和有限差分法在界面换热系数求解中的应用,证明了两种方法均可以对铸件/型壳间的界面换热系数进行求解,有效提升了温度场模拟的准确性。最后,对定向凝固过程温度场数值模拟的研究进展进行了追踪,总结归纳出了工艺参数对温度场的影响规律。基于对镍基单晶涡轮叶片定向凝固过程温度场数值模拟研究进展的分析,提出了定向凝固工艺优化方向以及相关技术后续的发展趋势,以促进单晶涡轮叶片的高质量研发。

工业燃气轮机透平叶片用铸造高温合金材料研究

与航空发动机相比,工业燃气轮机的寿命长、工作介质腐蚀性大、部件尺寸大,因此,要求工业燃气轮机透平叶片具有优异的高温长时组织稳定性和抗热腐蚀性能、良好的铸造工艺性能以及较低的成本。文章介绍了国内外工业燃气轮机透平叶片用单晶合金、定向凝固合金和等轴晶合金的应用情况,重点介绍了典型合金的成分特征、高温长时组织稳定性和铸造工艺性能。最后对工业燃气轮机透平叶片用铸造高温合金材料的发展趋势做了展望。

镍基高温合金多叶片定向凝固过程数值模拟

建立了基于Monte Carlo法的射线追踪模型,并用来动态处理定向凝固抽拉过程中多叶片间以及叶片与加热炉间的辐射换热过程.模型中考虑了抽拉速度、加热炉几何尺寸等影响,研究了2种抽拉速度下的温度分布.得到的温度采样点冷却曲线与实际冷却曲线进行了对比并得到了较好的结果.多叶片条件下,冷却区叶片靠近炉壁的温度低于同一水平线上靠近炉腔中心部分的温度.抽拉速度为7.0mm/min时等温线的斜率高于抽拉速度为4.5 mm/min时的斜率.炉腔的几何尺寸对凝固过程温度分布有重要影响.

连续铸造铜单晶棒材的工艺参数与性能

在自制水平单晶连铸设备上研究铜单晶的连铸技术。结果表明，当铸型温度Ｔｃ２＝１１００～１１２０℃、固液界面前沿温度梯度ＧＬ＝５～６℃／ｍｍ、连铸速度Ｒ＝２０～３０ｍｍ／ｍｉｎ时，可获得镜面状的单晶铸棒。连铸时固液界面位于铸型内部，并向熔体呈凸出形状。铸棒内的杂晶是由于铸型温度低于铜的熔点（１０８３℃）和连铸速度增加所致，当Ｒ大于３０ｍｍ／ｍｉｎ时形成单向凝固的柱状晶铸棒。单晶的生长方向为［１００］，结晶面为（２００）。铜单晶与多晶铸棒相比，抗拉强度降低了２０．８５％，屈服强度降低８６．５４％，延伸率增加了８０．２４％，断面收缩率增加了３．９４５倍；电阻率降低了１５．５７％。因此，连铸铜单晶具有优异的塑性和低电阻率。

DD6单晶精铸薄壁试样定向凝固过程数值模拟

摘要：针对单晶高温合金精铸薄壁试样制备困难的问题，建立了薄壁板形试样的有限元模型，采用ProCAST数值模拟的方法模拟DD6单晶精铸薄壁板形试样的定向凝固过程，研究了几何形状和工艺参数对定向凝固过程中温度场、温度梯度场及糊状区的影响。结果表明：薄壁板形试样中间部位工作端的温度梯度在60～65℃cm范围内，糊状区固相线较为平直，液相线的位置在近炉壁一侧较低，远炉壁一侧较高。几何形状对单晶高温合金试样定向凝固过程有重要影响，提高浇注温度或降低抽拉速率有助于薄壁板形试样固液界面前沿液相温度梯度增大、糊状区宽度减小。单晶高温合金精铸薄壁试样定向凝固过程数值模拟结果与实际浇注结果吻合，凝固过程数值模拟为单晶精铸薄壁试样的制备提供了技术支持。

先进定向凝固技术

简要回顾了传统定向凝固技术及其存在的问题,概述了西北工业大学凝固技术国家重点实验室近年来在定向凝固技术领域所取得的重要成果,其中包括超高梯度定向凝固、电子束区熔定向凝固、深过冷定向凝固、电磁约束成形定向凝固、单晶连铸、经熔体热处理的定向凝固等先进定向凝固技术。提出了外场(电、磁、光等)作用下定向凝固的新构想。