Non-Darcy Flow in Molding Sands

Darcy’s law is widely used to describe the flow in porous media in which there is a linear relationship between fluid velocity and pressure gradient. However, it has been found that for high numbers of Reynolds this law ceases to be valid. In this work, the Ergun equation is employed to consider the non-linearity of air velocity with the pressure gradient in casting sands. The contribution of non-linearity to the total flow in terms of a variable defined as a non-Darcy flow fraction is numerically quantified. In addition, the influence of the shape factor of the sand grains on the non-linear flow fraction is analyzed. It is found that for values of the Reynolds number less or equal than 1, the contribution of non-linearity for spherical particles is around 1.15%.

Coating process of multi-material composite sand mold 3D printing

Sand mold 3 D printing technology is an advanced manufacturing technology which has great flexible manufacturing ability. A multi-material composite sand mold can control the temperature field of metallic parts during the pouring process, while the current sand mold 3 D printing technology can only fabricate a single material sand mold. The casting temperature field can not be adjusted by using single sand mold material with isotropous heat exchange ability during the pouring process. In this work, a kind of novel coating device was designed. Multi-material composite sand molds could be manufactured using the coating device according to the casting process demands of the final parts. The influences of curing agent content, coating velocity and scraper shape on compactness and surface roughness of the sand layer(silica sand and zircon sand) were studied. The shapes and sizes of transition intervals of two kinds of sand granules were also tested. The results show that, with the increase of the added volume of curing agent, the compactness of sand layer reduces and the surface roughness value rises. With the increase of the velocity of the coating device, the compactness of sand layer reduces and the surface roughness value rises similarly. In addition, the scraper with a dip angle of 72 degrees could increase the compactness value of the sand layer. The criteria of quality parmeters of the coating procedure are obtained. That is, the surface roughness(δ) of sand layer should be equal to or lesser than half of main size of the sand particles(Dm). The parameter H of the coating device which is the distance between the base of hopper and the surface of sand layer impacts the size of transition zone. The width of the transition zone is in direct proportion to the parameter H, qualitatively. Through the optimization of the coating device, high quality of multi-material sand layers can be obtained. This will provide a solution in manufacturing the multi-material composite sand mold.

Insulation effect of air cavity in sand mold using 3D printing technology

The insulation effect of the air cavity surrounding the riser in a 3D printed sand mold was studied. The influence of the air cavity on heat flux was theoretically analyzed. The results demonstrated that the heat flux of the air cavity in the 3D printed sand mold was significantly less than that of resin-bonded sand. The insulation effect of the air cavity in sand molds for a cylinder casting and a stress-frame casting were simulated using software COMSOL. The results illustrated that the air cavity could be used to insulate the riser and it was more suitable for a lower melting point metal casting. An air cavity with 10-15 mm width and 5-10 mm away from the riser can significantly prolong the solidification of the riser by over 10%. Meanwhile, the sand mold for the stressframe was made by 3D printing technology and poured with aluminum alloy A356 melt. The experiment results showed that the presence of the air cavity led to a 12.5% increase of the solidification time of its riser.

Thermal stress analysis method considering geometric effect of risers in sand mold casting process

Solidif ication and f luid f low analysis using computer simulation is a current common practice. There is also a high demand for thermal stress analysis in the casting process because casting engineers want to control the defects related to thermal stresses, such as large deformation and crack generation during casting. The riser system is an essential part of preventing the shrinkage defects in the casting process, and it has a great inf luence on thermal phenomena. The analysis domain is dramatically expanded by attaching the riser system to a casting product due to its large volume, and it makes FEM mesh generation diff icult. However, it is diff icult to study and solve the above proposed problem caused by riser system using traditional analysis methods which use single numerical method such as FEM or FDM. In this paper, some research information is presented on the effects of the riser system on thermal stress analysis using a FDM/FEM hybrid method in the casting process simulation. The results show the optimal conditions for stress analysis of the riser model in order to save computation time and memory resources.

Cooling control for castings by adopting skeletal sand mold design

The cooling control of the melt during the casting process is of great significance. A comprehensive closed-loop cooling control of castings by adopting a skeletal sand mold design was proposed. The skeletal sand mold consisting of an adaptive shell, functional cavities and a support was designed and created based on the finite difference meshes of a casting. It was applied to a round wall test casting. Two kinds of skeletal sand molds, one with lattice support and the other with enforcing ribs for this casting were designed and printed out by the 3 D printing(3 DP) method. Aluminum alloy A356 was cast by using these two sand molds. The first mold was cooled by natural convection, the other one by water spray cooling. Two sound castings were obtained. The sand mold temperature, cooling curves, microstructures, mechanical properties, residual stress and deformation were measured, compared and discussed. Water spray cooling hastened the cooling rate by 62%, increased the content of Mg and Cu in the α-Al matrix, improved the mechanical properties, and altered the surface residual stress state.

Simulation and experimental research on extra-squeeze forming method during gradient sand molding

The flexible extrusion forming process (FEFP) is a sand mold patternless manufacturing technology that enables digital near-net shaping of complex sand molds. But, it is difficult to achieve the gradient sand molds with high surface strength and strong interior permeability by FEFP. To solve this problem, an extra-squeeze forming method based on FEFP for gradient sand mold was developed. To further reveal the extra-squeeze forming mechanism, based on the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) theory and “gluing” notions, the single and double-sided squeeze models of gradient sand molds were established using the EDEM software. The squeezing processes of sand molds with different cavity depths of 60, 100, 140, 180, and 220 mm were systemically studied under single and double-sided squeeze conditions. The variation in the void fraction of sand mold as also investigated at a variety of extra-squeeze distances of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm, respectively. Simulation and test results show that a deeper cavity depth weakens the extrusion force transmission, which leads to a decrease in strength. The sand mold permeability and void fraction are identified to be positively correlated, while the tensile strength and void fraction appear to be negatively correlated. The void fraction of sand molds decreases with a longer extra-squeeze distance. A 6 mm extra-squeeze distance for the sand mold with 220 mm cavity depth results in a 26.8% increase in tensile strength with only a 5.7% reduction in the permeability. Hence, the extra- squeeze forming method can improve the quality of the sand mold by producing a gradient sand mold with high surface strength and strong interior permeability.

Shrinkage Behaviour of Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron in Green and Dry Sand Molds for the Benchmarking of Solidification Simulation

The effects of metallurgical and processing parameters on the formation of shrinkage cavities and porosities in spheroidal graphite cast iron have been studied, considering the parameters of carbon equivalent, inoculation, casting modulus, mold type (green or dry) and pouring temperature within specific ranges of these variables. Based on the orthogonal experiments, the metallurgical and processing parameters of the minimum casting shrinkage and the maximum casting shrinkage were obtained, and the effects of metallurgical and processing parameters on the formation of shrinkage cavities and porosities in spheroidal graphite cast iron castings were discussed. Finally, two regression equations relating these variables to the formation of shrinkage porosity were derived based upon the orthogonal experiments conducted.

An innovative tester system for measuring mechanical property of foundry molding sand

A new intelligent tester system for measuring multiple mechanical properties of foundry molding sand is introduced and has been patented for the invention in China. The testing process can be simultaneously controlled with a build-in chip microcomputer communicating with a PC through a serial port. The testing system applies dynamic testing technology. During the measurement for compression, relaxation, shearing and tensile processes of sand specimens, the corresponding characteristic curves and eight mechanical property parameters can be obtained in a short time, simply by consecutively testing on four sand specimens. The properties and parameters to be measurable by the tester include compressive strength, elastic modulus, plastic deformation threshold, springback potential, shear strength, shear deformation limit, toughness and tensile strength. These properties and parameters for sand specimens can be defined as the corresponding characteristic curves with precise physical meanings, carried out by the tester, Two of them, namely plastic deformation threshold and springback potential, as well as their testing methods, have been invented for the first time. The testing system applying advanced data measurement technology as well as performing excellent functions is an important breakthrough and creativity in foundry molding sand property testing field. The parameters acquired by the testing system are stable, accurate and reliable. The test data can be instantly displayed or printed out or stored in the PC. As evidence, many experimental data obtained by the tester practically from both laboratory and foundry floor tests indicate that the tester system can be widely applied in foundry industry.

Method for near-net forming of a sand mold with digital flexible extrusion technology

In order to further improve the precision forming efficiency of a sand mold digital patternless casting and reduce the amount of sand mold cutting, a method for near-net forming of the sand mold with digital flexible extrusion technology was put forward. The theory, optimization algorithm and technology for sand mold nearnet forming were studied. Experimental results show that the sand mold forming efficiency can be increased by 34%, and the molding sand can be reduced by 44%. The method for near-net forming of a sand mold with digital flexible extrusion technology can effectively promote the application of digital patternless casting technology in the mass production of castings and thus greatly improves the efficiency and automation of sand mold manufacturing.

多材料砂型增材制造一体化共面铺砂工艺研究

目的针对复杂薄壁铸件高性能制造难题,本研究提出多材料砂型增材制造一体化共面铺砂工艺,实现多材料砂型的整体成形。方法基于多材料砂型增材制造振动铺砂装置,通过优化固化剂含量、铺砂器开口宽度和振动频率,实现两种型砂材料的定量落砂。通过显微镜扫描表征和图像处理,系统地研究了在不同铺砂速度下的铺砂质量和型砂层厚变化规律。结果在一定范围内,固化剂含量的增大会减小落砂流量,铺砂器开口宽度与振动频率的增加均提高落砂流量,当硅砂固化剂含量为2.3wt.‰、铬铁矿砂固化剂含量为2wt.‰、铺砂器开口宽度为2mm、振动频率为500Hz时,两种型砂落砂流量相等;在此基础上,铺砂速度提高会增加模糊长度,降低铺砂界面连接处和铺砂末端粗糙度。当铺砂速度为53.92mm/s时,实现0.6mm层厚的多材料稳定持续铺砂,界面连接效果好、铺砂精度高。结论本研究突破多材料砂型增材制造一体化共面铺砂工艺,实现多材料砂型多区域定量均匀铺砂。

Research on the macro-and meso-mechanical properties of frozen sand mold based on Hertz-Mindlin with Bonding model

In this study,macro-and meso-mechanical properties of frozen sand molds were discussed based on the Hertz-Mindlin with Bonding(HMB)model.Plackett-Burman,steepest ascent,and central composite designs were utilized to propose a parameter calibration methodology.The effects of mesoscopic parameter variations on the compressive strength and average gradient of stress-strain were investigated through response surface method analysis.Results showed that the relative error between the simulated and measured repose angle is 3.1%under calibrated intrinsic contact parameters.The compressive strength and average stress-strain gradient primarily depend on the normal and shear stiffness per unit area,as well as the particle size and porosity of the silica sand.Furthermore,taking load-displacement curves of three frozen sand molds with different geometric characteristics as the target value,the reliability and effectiveness of the frozen sand mold HMB model were verified through uniaxial compression tests and discrete element simulations.

砂处理线工艺参数的确定

介绍了砂处理线的型砂水分、混砂时间、型砂成分的试验研究,得出结论:(1)加水系统参数的确定:皮带注水时,砂流量参数设定为7 kg/s,喷头水流量为0.04 kg/s,加水量设定0~0.9%;混砂机注水时,水重为1.8 t,A_(0)和A_(1)分别为-3.4和2.15,最大加水量为58 L,水管流量为3 L/s,最大加水时间20 s;沸腾床注水时,砂流量260 kg/min,加水需求设定为1.2%~1.5%,A_(0)=-0.3,A_(1)=0.9,周期时间为10 s,水管流量为2 L/s。(2)混砂时间:大秤卸料时间为10 s,小秤的卸料时间为12 s,湿混时间1为10 s,卸砂时间为25 s,混砂时间为100 s。(3)型砂成分:水为3.0%,膨润土为12 kg,α淀粉为5 kg。

重型商用车平衡轴支架铁型覆砂铸造工艺设计与优化

以某重型商用车平衡轴支架为研究对象,根据平衡轴支架的结构特点与质量要求,初步设计了平衡轴支架的铁型覆砂铸造工艺方案并进行样件试制。样件剖切结果发现在平衡轴根部厚大区域出现了较为严重的缩孔缩松缺陷。利用AnyCasting软件对平衡轴支架铸件的充型与凝固过程进行模拟仿真,仿真结果预测的铸件缩孔缩松位置与实际情况相一致。基于平衡轴支架充型与凝固过程及铸件缺陷产生原因的分析,对初始铸造工艺方案进行优化。优化后的仿真结果显示平衡轴支架铸件的缩孔缩松缺陷已基本消除。根据优化后的铸造工艺方案再次进行样件试制,样件剖切结果表明原平衡轴根部厚大区域的缩孔缩松缺陷已完全消除,平衡轴支架铸件内部质量满足要求。

一种基于3D打印快速制造农用机械关键零部件的方法

随着工业技术的提升,农用机械供油系统类零件的开发和制造成本得到了降低,通过供油系统类零件的开发来提升农用机械总体性能成为立足农机市场的新要求。结合供油系统类铸件质量要求很高,需要进行压力渗漏检测,尺寸和内部质量很难同时保证,以及短期快速制造难度很大等特点,针对零件结构和质量要求进行分析,选择合适的快速制造工艺路线。采用铸件结构优化设计、铸造工艺设计、铸造工艺模拟优化、3D打印3D P砂型、电磁真空增压铸造以及质量检验等主要工序,实现供油系统类零部件研制,解决了供油系统研制过程中出现的质量差、周期长、成本高的问题。

铁型覆砂灰铸铁件氮气孔缺陷分析与改善措施

针对铁型覆砂铸造工艺生产灰铸铁件时产生的氮气孔缺陷,通过使用EDS能谱仪对氮气孔缺陷进行定性和定量分析,并结合铸件生产工艺对氮气孔的形成原因进行分析,通过在原材料上更换覆膜砂、提高新砂加入量、分开管理壳型线和铁型线回用砂,生产工艺上采取增加排气塞和提高铁型温度、固化时间、浇注温度等措施降低缺陷风险。改进后的工艺连续生产超过10万件产品,未再出现氮气孔缺陷。

Measurement of elastic modulus and evaluation of viscoelasticity of foundry green sand

Elastic modulus is an important physical parameter of molding sand; it is closely connected with molding sand’s properties. Based on theories of rheology and molding sand microdeformation, elastic modulus of molding sand was measured and investigated using the intelligent molding sand multi-property tester developed by ourselves. The measuring principle was introduced. Effects of bentonite percentage and compactibility of the molding sand were experimentally studied. Furthermore, the essential viscoelastic nature of green sand was analyzed. It is considered that viscoelastic deformation of molding sand consists mainly of that of Kelvin Body of clay membrane, and elastic modulus of molding sand depends mainly on that of Kelvin Body which is the elastic component of clay membrane between sands. Elastic modulus can be adopted as one of the property parameters, and can be employed to evaluate the viscoelastic properties of molding sand.

Discussion on compact mechanism of air-stream and synchro-formed clamp plate impact molding

Applying the air impact molding method to mold the complicated pattern with wider opening surface and deeper concave, there always exist vaulted phenomenon and lower compactibility of sand mold over the entrance and the concave regions. Using the air-stream and synchro-formed clamp plate impact molding, however, this problem will be preferably solved. In this paper, the compact mechanism of the new molding method and the effect of some configuration factors, such as the area flowed by compressed air and the highness of the protruding block displacement around the diffluent clamp plate, on the compactibility of sand mold were discussed.

含泥量及成型工艺对疏浚砂水泥基材料力学性能和耐久性的影响

为探索极细疏浚砂资源化利用的有效途径,分别采用振动成型及半干法压制成型方法,以不同含泥量(6.5%~25.8%)的长江下游极细疏浚砂(细度模数0.1~0.3)为主要原料制备水泥基材料替代普通混凝土。研究表明:在振动成型方法下,含泥量的增加对该材料耐久性、力学性能均有不利影响,低含泥量(6.5%)水泥基材料28 d抗压强度和劈裂抗拉强度分别可达35.1 MPa和3.98 MPa,抗冲磨强度和质量损失率分别可达12.5 h/(kg/m^(2))和8.4%;半干法成型方法下,含泥量的增加对水泥基材料强度增长有利,高含泥量(25.8%)水泥基材料28 d抗压、劈裂抗拉强度分别可达37.0 MPa和4.4 MPa,较振动成型方法下分别提高36.5%和25.7%。此外,以振动成型或半干法成型工艺制备的疏浚砂水泥基材料强度可靠,与普通C30混凝土相比,成本可降低33.0%~40.5%,环境友好,具有显著的生态效益。研究成果对于高效、科学、资源化利用长江下游极细疏浚砂有参考价值。

基于快速制造的砂型分型设计对比分析

分型设计是砂型设计中重要的一个环节,通过分析快速制造用于典型复杂铸件的砂型分型案例及其特点,对3D打印技术和快速复合成形技术的分型设计思路进行对比阐述。基于典型案例对这两类成形方法用于复杂铸件的砂型分型设计规则进行了归纳和总结,为复杂铸件砂型分型问题提供了较为系统指导性的分型依据,以满足复杂铸件省时高效的发展趋势。

湿型砂鲕化率检测方法的研究

采用磷酸法和盐酸-氢氧化钾法对湿型砂鲕化率进行了测量试验,并对其中的关键步骤进行了改进。试验结果表明:将加热方式改为随炉加热,可以避免试样表面出现焦炭膜;将煮沸工艺改为煮沸+搅拌工艺,可以使鲕化层去除更完全;将盐酸-磷酸法中的盐酸取消,简化为磷酸法,可以减小金属元素损失,使测量值更准确;将盐酸-氢氧化钾法的反应时间从25 min延长至30 min,可以解决砂粒未洗净的问题;使用少量盐酸滴入到沉淀与砂粒混合的溶液中,沉淀可以被有效去除,解决两者难以分离的问题。