Performance of heavy ductile iron castings for windmills

The main objective of the present paper is to review the specific characteristics and performance obtaining conditions of heavy ductile iron(DI) castings,typically applied in windmills industry,such as hubs and rotor housings.The requirements for high impact properties in DI at low temperatures are part of the ENGJS-400-18U-LT(SRN 1563) commonly referred to as GGG 40.3(DIN 1693).Pearlitic in-uence factor(Px) and antinodularising action factor(K1) were found to have an important in-uence on the structure and mechanical properties,as did Mn and P content,rare earth(RE) addition and inoculation power.The presence of high purity pig iron in the charge is extremely beneficial,not only to control the complex factors Px and K1,but also to improve the 'metallurgical quality' of the iron melt.A correlation of C and Si limits with section modulus is very important to limit graphite nodule flotation.Chunky and surface-degenerated graphite are the most controlled graphite morphologies in windmills castings.The paper concluded on the optimum iron chemistry and melting procedure,Mg-alloys and inoculants peculiar systems,as well as on the practical solutions to limit graphite degeneration and to ensure castings of the highest integrity,typically for this field.

Influence of shrinkage porosity on fatigue performance of iron castings and life estimation method

Shrinkage porosity exists more or less in heavy castings, and it plays an important role in the fatigue behavior of cast materials. In this study, fatigue tests were carried out on the QT400-18 cast iron specimens containing random degrees of shrinkage porosity defect. Experimental results showed that the order of magnitude of life scattered from 103 to 106 cycles when the shrinkage percentage ranged from 0.67% to 5.91%. SEM analyses were carried out on the shrinkage porosity region. The inter-granular discontinuous, micro cracks and inclusions interfered with the fatigue sliding or hindering process. The slip in shrinkage porosity region was not as orderly as the ordinary continuous medium. The shrinkage porosity area on fracture surface(SPAFS) and alternating stress intensity factor(ASIF) were applied to evaluate the tendency of residual life distribution; their relationship was fitted by negative exponent functions. Based on the intermediate variable of ASIF, a fatigue life prediction model of nodular cast iron containing shrinkage porosity defects was established. The modeling prediction was in agreement with the experimental results.

Numerical Simulation of Shrinkage Cavity Formation in Spheroidal Graphite Iron Castings Based on Micro Modeling

A micro-modeling method (MM) for the quantitative prediction of the shrinkage cavity formation in SGiron castings is proposed. The mathematical models describing the volume changes during the solidification ofspheroidal graphite cast iron are established based on the models of solidification kinetics. The shrinkage cavityformation of T-shaped SG iron castings is calculated with MM method. The calculated results are compared with theexperimental results. It is shown that the predicted size, shape and distribution of shrinkage cavity by MM methodare in good agreement with the measured results.

Low temperature impact strength of heavy section ductile iron castings:effects of microstructure and chemical composition

A foundry research project has been recently initiated at RTIT in order to better understand the fabrication of as-cast heavy section DI parts meeting high impact energy requirements at low temperatures.The experimental castings have the following dimensions 180 mm x 180 mm x 190 mm.The achieved as-cast Charpy impact strengths were as follows:17 J (RT),16 J (-20℃) and 11 J (-40℃).The foundry process,the chemical composition and the microstructure of this experimental casting are compared to the ones of various examples in order to show the detrimental effects of residual elements,microshrinkage and microcarbide on the impact properties.Finally,quality index empirical models (based on casting chemical compositions) are used to analyse the impact tests results.This paper illustrates that an adequate nodule count can contribute to reducing the detrimental effects of the residual elements and microsegregation.

A Mathematical Model for Predicting Shrinkage Defect of Ductile Iron Castings

The shrinkage defect of a ductile iron casting is attributed to the volume variations occurring in solidification, which consist of liquid contraction, solidification shrinkage, graphitization expansion, and mold cavity enlargement. Based on this understanding, a mathematical model for predicting the shrinkage defect of the casting is developed, in which the volume variations of the casting in soli- dification are numerically simulated, especially, the mold cavity enlargement is quantitatively calculated. Moreover, the reliability of the model is verified in production and experiment.

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.

Determining the Thermal Conductivity in Walls of Cast Iron Castings by the Ultrasound Technique

Research results concerning the application of ultrasound technique for determining the averaged thermal conductivity in walls of castings produced of cast iron(solidifying in a steady system)containing carbon precipitates in a graphite form,are presented in the hereby paper.Investigations concern castings of unalloyed cast iron.The influence of the form of graphite precipitates on the cast iron thermal conductivity as well as on the propagation velocity of the ultrasound wave,including the longitudinal wave velocity CL,was investigated in the study.The influence of the graphite form,described by the shape indicator(f),on the thermal conductivity(l)(determined on samples by the steady heat flow method)as well as the influence of this indicator(f)on the wave propagation velocity(CL),was investigated.A series of melts of cast iron,of the near eutectic chemical composition,were performed.Magnesium introduced in a wide range,allowed obtaining various graphite forms from flake,via mixed,vermicular to nodular.Dependences:l=f(CL),CL=f(f)were determined and at the final phase the empirical dependencel=f(CL)was also determined.The thermal conductivity and ultrasound wave velocity were tested on the same samples.The thermal conductivity coefficient of cast iron(l)was changing in a wide range from approximately 32 to 46 W/s·m,while the wave velocity CL respectively:from approximately 4,300 to 5,800 m/s.The empirical dependencel=f(CL),determined in the described variability ranges,is of a linear character and the correlation level equals:R2=0.87.The validation of the experimental results was performed on cast iron castings of slag ladles,since they are required to be of a good thermal conductivity.The possibility of assessing the thermal conductivity directly in walls of such castings by means of non-destructive ultrasound method,was confirmed.The real thermal conductivity determined in the walls of the castings is used to simulate the heating and cooling process of slag ladles,ingot molds and similar structures,which was one of the main objectives of the research.

Extension of Flow Behaviour and Damage Models for Cast Iron Alloys with Strain Rate Effect

Cast iron alloys with low production cost and quite good mechanical properties are widely used in the automotive industry.To study the mechanical behavior of a typical ductile cast iron(GJS-450)with nodular graphite,uni-axial quasi-static and dynamic tensile tests at strain rates of 10^(-4),1,10,100,and 250 s^(-1)were carried out.In order to investigate the influence of stress state on the deformation and fracture parameters,specimens with various geometries were used in the experiments.Stress strain curves and fracture strains of the GJS-450 alloy in the strain rate range of 10^(-4)to 250 s^(-1)were obtained.A strain rate-dependent plastic flow model was proposed to describe the mechanical behavior in the corresponding strain-rate range.The available damage model was extended to take the strain rate into account and calibrated based on the analysis of local fracture strains.Simulations with the proposed plastic flow model and the damage model were conducted to observe the deformation and fracture process.The results show that the strain rate has obviously nonlinear effects on the yield stress and fracture strain of GJS-450 alloys.The predictions with the proposed plastic flow and damage models at various strain rates agree well with the experimental results,which illustrates that the rate-dependent plastic flow and damage models can be used to describe the mechanical behavior of cast iron alloys at elevated strain rates.The proposed plastic flow and damage models can be used to describe the deformation and fracture analysis of materials with similar properties.

Surface Graphite Degeneration in Ductile Iron Castings for Resin Molds

The objective of this paper is to review the factors influencing the formation of degenerated graphite layers on the surfaces of ductile iron castings for chemical resins-acid molding and core-making systems and how to reduce this defect. In the resin mold technique the sulphur in the P-toluol sulphonic acid （PTSA）, usually used as the hardener, has been identified as one factor causing graphite degeneration at the metalmold interface. Less than 0.15% S in the mold （or even less than 0.07% S） can reduce the surface layer depth. Oxygen may also have an effect, especially for sulphur containing systems with turbulent flows in the mold, water-bearing no-bake binder systems, Mg-Silica reactions, or dross formation conditions. Despite the lower level of nitrogen in the iron melt after magnesium treatment （less than 90 ppm）, nitrogen bearing resins have a profound effect on the frequency and severity of surface pinholes, but a limited influence on surface graphite degeneration.

Optimization of Casting Process for Heat and Abrasion Resistant Large Gray Iron Castings

Numerical simulations were used to optimize the casting design and conditions for large cast iron castings for marine engines, Simulations of the mold filling and solidification sequences were used to analyze the problems of previous casting conditions with marked improvements for large cylinder liner parts, The amount and positions of chills were optimized to improve the mechanical properties and to minimize the shrinkage and micro porosity in the castings. Ultra sonic testing, penetration testing, and mechanical property testing show no defects in the castings with the productivity significantly increased.

Interface characteristics and wear resistance of Ni-B_(4)C plated ZTA reinforced high chromium cast iron composite

A chemical composite plating of Ni-B_(4)C was used to prepare the surface-modified zirconia toughened alumina(ZTA)ceramic particles.The ceramic preforms were prepared by the plated ZTA and sodium silicate solution binder,followed by casting infiltration to prepare the ZTA particles reinforced high chromium cast iron(HCCI)composites.The result reveals that a distinct interface layer forms at the ZTA/HCCI interface,which consists of phases of ZrB_(2),FeB,Fe_(2)B,and NaSiO_(4).The interfacial wettability between ZTA and HCCI is improved by the diffusion and reaction of Ni and B_(4)C.The wear test reveals that the Ni-B_(4)C plated ZTA particles can effectively improve the wear resistance of the ZTA/HCCI composite,and the wear rate of the composite is decreased to 11.6%of HCCI.

CUTTING FORCES IN HIGH SPEED TAPPING CAST IRON BY TUNGSTEN CARBIDE TAPS

The engineblock production lines need high speed tapping with tungsten carbide taps. In the tapping process, the machining precision and the tool life of taps are directly influenced by tapping forces. And the parameter optimization of tap structures is also correlated with the variation of tapping forces. Therefore, the study of tapping forces is necessary in developing new style taps. Several experiments about some novel carbide taps are performed on a vertical machining center by a Kistler dynamometer system in blind tapping both gray cast iron and ductile cast iron. And the variations of tapping forces are analyzed in tapping-in and tapping-out periods. It indicates that cutting forces hardly vary with the tap wear in tapping cast iron. Contrarily, tapping forces are closely correlated with the holding method. Besides, it also depends on the helix angle, the flute numbers and the plasticity of the work material to some extent.

Optimized DISA system parameters of a thin-wall malleable iron pipe casting by numerical simulation

The filling and solidification of a malleable iron pipe casting manufactured by DISA casting mold line with different design parameters were calculated by using software MAGMASOFT. Then the shrinkage porosity was predicted by thermal criterion. Based on the simulation results, the influences of the runner ratio and feeder position on the porosity were discussed. The results show that synchronization of injection can be significantly influenced by the size of downsprue section, and an de-sign structure of DISA gating system was used to solve the problem of flow imbalance in the filling procegs. At the same time, the riser was designed on the hotspot for feeding shrinkage. At last, the optimizated gating system and feeding system were ac-complished to eliminate shrinkage porosity.

Microstructure and properties of LZQT600-3 HCCDIBs for plunger pump cylinder

It is important to improve the comprehensive performance of the ductile iron bars(DIBs)for the cylinder block of the extra high pressure hydraulic plunger pump and accelerate the industrial application.In this work,the LZQT600-3 DIBs with the diameter of 145 mm were prepared by the horizontal continuous casting(HCC)process,that is,LZQT600-3 HCCDIBs.The microstructure and room temperature tensile properties of different sections[left-edge(surface layer),left-1/2R(left half of the radius),and the center of the HCCDIBs]were studied.The results show that the spheroidization of LZQT600-3 HCCDIBs matrix from the left-edge,left-1/2R to the center is at nodulizing grade II and above.As the cooling rate gradually decreases from surface to the center of the HCCIBs,the number of spheroidized graphite is gradually reduced,the size is gradually increased,the shape factor is decreased,and the pearlite content and lamellate spacing are increased.Along the horizontal direction of the section,the hardness of the material is distributed symmetrically around the center of the HCCDIBs.In the vertical direction,the hardness distribution in the center of the HCCDIBs is asymmetrical due to the gravity during the solidification process.Therefore,the microstructure in the lower part of the section solidifies relatively quickly.The left-edge has the best tensile mechanical properties,and the ultimate tensile strength,yield tensile strength and elongation are 597.3 MPa,418.5 MPa and 9.6%,respectively.The tensile fracture belongs to the ductile-brittle hybrid fracture.The comprehensive performances of LZQT600-3 HCCDIBs meet the actual application requirements of ultra-high pressure hydraulic plunger pump cylinder.

Research of Synthetic Rules with Mechanical Properties vs Inoculation Degree on Gray Cast Iron

To fit the special needs of gray cast iron as a new engineering material,i.e.,higher σ b and lower HB,or lower σ b and higher HB,using the method of heat analyzing and polyparameters analytic figures,the synthetic rules of carbon saturation degree,inoculation degree and mechanical properties can be exposed.The result shows that,according to the needs of the part′s mechanical properties,referring to the synthetic rules of gray cast iron,the corresponding technological measure and composition proportion can be defined,by which we will get the exact mechanical properties that could achieve the result expected completely.Thus,the casting for gray cast iron might be 'designed'from'selected'.

Effect of tempering temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of high boron white cast iron

The effect of different tempering temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of airquenched high boron white cast iron was studied.The results indicate that the high boron white cast iron comprises dendritic matrix and inter-dendritic M 2 B boride;and the matrix comprises martensite and pearlite.After quenching in the air,the matrix is changed into lath martensite;but only 1-μm-size second phase exists in the matrix.After tempering,another second phase of several tens of nanometers is found in the matrix,and the size and quantity increase with an increase in tempering temperature.The two kinds of second precipitation phase with different sizes in the matrix have the same chemical formula,but their forming stages are different.The precipitation phase with larger size forms during the austenitizing process,while the precipitation phase with smaller size forms during the tempering process.When tempered at different temperatures after quenching,the hardness decreases with an increase in the tempering temperature,but it increases a little at 450 ℃ due to the precipitation strengthening effect of the second phase,and it decreases greatly due to the martensite decomposition above 450 ℃.The impact toughness increases a little when tempered below 300 ℃,but it then decreases continuously owing to the increase in size and quantity of the secondary precipitate above 300 ℃.Considered comprehensively,the optimum tempering temperature is suggested at 300 ℃ to obtain a good combination of hardness and toughness.

Recent development of ductile cast iron production technology in China

Recent progress in the production and technology of ductile cast iron castings in China is reviewed. The manufacture and process control of as-cast ductile iron are discussed. The microstructure, properties and application of partial austenitization normalizing ductile iron and austempered ductile iron (ADI) are briefly depicted. The new development of ductile iron production techniques, such as cored-wire injection (wire-feeding nodularization) process, tundish cover ladle nodularizing process, horizontal continuous casting, and EPC process (lost foam) for ductile iron castings, etc., are summarized.

Heat Treatment Effect on Microstructure, Hardness and Wear Resistance of Cr26 White Cast Iron

High chromium cast iron（HCCI） is taken as material of coal water slurry pump impeller, but it is susceptible to produce serious abrasive wear and erosion wear because of souring of hard coal particles. The research on optimization of heat treatments to improve abrasive wear properties of HCCI is insufficient, so effect of heat treatments on the microstructure, hardness, toughness, and wear resistance of Cr26 HCCI is investigated to determine the optimal heat treatment process for HCCI. A series of heat treatments are employed. The microstructures of HCCI specimens are examined by using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The hardness and impact fracture toughness of as-cast and heat treated specimens are measured. The wear tests are assessed by a Type M200 ring-on block wear tester. The results show the following： With increase of the quenching temperature from 950 ℃ to 1050 ℃, the hardness of Cr26 HCCI increased to a certain value, kept for a time and then decreased. The optimal heat treatment process is 2 h quenching treatment at 1000 ℃, followed by a subsequent 2 h tempering at 400 ℃. The hardness of HCCI is related to the precipitation and redissolution of secondary carbides in the process of heat treatment. The subsequent tempering treatment would result in a slight decrease of hardness but increase of toughness. The wear resistance is much related to the ＂supporting＂ effect of the matrix and the ＂protective＂ effect of the hard carbide embedded in the matrix, and the wear resistance is further dependent on the hardness and the toughness of the matrix. This research can provide an important insight on developing an optimized heat treatment method to improve the wear resistance of HCCI.

Gray Cast Iron With Directional Graphite Flakes Produced by Cylinder Covered Compression Process

A new plastic deformation process for gray cast iron named cylinder covered compression （CCC） was developed. By CCC process, gray cast iron （GCI） specimens, which are embedded in steel cylinders, were hot compressed up to 80% reduction in height without the cracking problem. It was clearly observed that the uniform distribution of directional graphite flakes appeared after more than 45 % reduction hot compression. The strength, ductility, and microhardness of GCI after 80% reduction deformation were significantly enhanced： the tensile strength varied from 117 MPa to 249 MPa, while the total elongation varied from 0 to 5.2%, and the microhardness varied from 153 HV to 217 HV. It was shown that the tensile fracture surface presented ductility characters after more than 45% reduction hot deformation.

Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on Property of 14Cr2Mn2V High Chromium Cast Iron Subjected to Subcritical Treatment

Effect of cryogenic treatment on the microstructure, hardening behavior and abrasion resistance of 14Cr2Mn2V high chromium cast iron （HCCI） subjected to subcritical treatment was investigated. The results show that cryogenic treatment after subcritical treatment can obviously improve the hardness and abrasion resistance of HCCI because abundant retained austenite is transformed into martensite and fine secondary carbides E（Fe, Cr）23 C6 ] precipitate. The amount of martensite and precipitated secondary carbide in HCCI experiencing subcritical treatment followed by cryogenic treatment was more than that experiencing the subcritical treatment followed by air cooling. When the abrasion resistance of HCCI reaches the maximum, its microstructure contains about 15 % retained austenite. Cryogenic treatment can further reduce the austenite content but the retained austenite cannot be transformed in to martensite completely.