FEM Analysis of Physical Field in Level Rolling Process of Inversion Casting by ANSYS Program

The strain physical field in level rolling process of inversion casting was analyzed by ANSYS program.Plastic strain,stress and displacement were gained.The results show that only surface strain takes place) the maximum stress exists in the geometrical deformation zone;In the deformation transition zone and the part leaving the rollers,different stress exists.The rolling force estimated with ANSYS program corresponds to those measured.

Application of Fuzzy Logic Controller to Level Control of Twin-Roll Strip Casting

An intelligent fuzzy-PID controller consisting of fuzzy logic controller and PID controller was developed to control the molten steel level of twin-roll strip caster.Additionally,a feedforward differential PID controller was used for stopper position control in order to avoid differential kick.It is proved by simulation that the proposed intelligent controller is able to obtain zero steady state error asymptotically and the control system is robust due to its fuggy behavior of the controller.

Molten steel level stability in continuous casting slab mold under electromagnetic stirring

Fluctuation of molten steel level in continuous casting process is a critical issue. The analytic function for the liquid steel surface stability index( F) of the continuous casting slab mold under the action of electromagnetic stirring was derived. The effects on the F value of the electromagnetic field,casting mold,submerged entry nozzle,and casting speed were observed,and the stability of the process parameters of a practical continuous casting system was evaluated. The main results generated are as follows:①Based on the free flow jet theory,a formula is established for the level stability index of continuous casting slab mold under electromagnetic stirring.②According to the results of calculation,the various parameters in decreasing order of the magnitude of their influence are magnetic flux density,nozzle submersion depth,casting speed,slab width,stirring current frequency,and nozzle side-hole inclination angle.③For practical continuous casting with a slab thickness of 230 mm,the calculated F values are between 3 and 5 for different matches between slab width and casting speed,but the parameter optimization space is much larger for wider slab widths and lower casting speeds.

Mathematical modeling of fluid flow and level profile during twin-roll strip casting process

In twin-roll strip casting process,transport phenomena of fluid in the molten pool directly affect the process stability and the quality of products.In order to elucidate the fundamental transport phenomena in twin-roll casting,a commercial software called ProCAST was employed to simulate the transient fluid flow and level profile behaviors during the early stage of the process in this study.The coupled set of governing differential equations for mass,momentum and energy balance were solved with the finite element method and the transient free surface problem was treated with a volume of fluids(VOF) approach.The effect of different delivery systems configuration on flow pattern,level profile in the pool was studied and analyzed in this paper. The new wedge metal delivery systems have been optimized for the twin-roll strip caster.It was shown that new type metal delivery systems had a preferable effect on the uniform distribution of fluid and level fluctuation in the pool.The simulation results also provide a valuable basis for the optimization of delivery system and process parameters during the initial pouring stage.

Modeling of unsteadiness of fluid flows and level fluctuations in thin slab continuous casting moulds

Unsteady fluid flows and level fluctuations in a thin slab continuous casting mould have significant influence on product quality. In this study, the phenomena concerning transient flow features and free surface motions were analyzed by means of the large eddy simulation （LES） software with the smagorinsky SGS model--VisualCast （VCast） II, where the Simpler algorithm on a body-fitted mesh was used to resolve governing equations. A series of water analog experiments on the fluid flow and the surface wave in the moulds of thin slab continuous casting were also performed. The results of fluid regions, middle of vortex and level fluctuation from digital simulations were identical with the results of the water analog experiments.

Modelling of Level Fluctuation in Continuous Casting

The free surface profile and fluid flow in the mold of continuous casting have been calculated by the VOF method couplingthe SIMPLER algorithm. The SIMPLER-VOF model developed is validated by solving a classical experiment, broken damproblem. The calculated surface profile is consistent with water modelling. It is found that the free surface profile is coherentlyrelated to the position of circumfluence in the mold of continuous casting. With the increase of nozzle port inclination, thepositive vortex above the jet is near to the meniscus and the level fluctuation becomes prominent.

Measurement and AFPS control of molten steel level in strip casting

The measurement and control of the molten steel level are studied, which affect the quality of strip surface in strip casting. A system of molten steel measurement with a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) sensor is designed, real-time measured data are given and its precision is analyzed. The level fluctuation model is derived, and an adaptive fuzzy-PID controller with supervisory control (AFPS) is proposed. The stability of the system is proved using Lyapunov theorem, and the simulation results are given when the model, the casting speed and the roll gap change. It is suggested that this kind of coupled nonlinear and time varying system is stable and robust using the designed AFPS controller.

Water Model Study of Level Flunction in Continuous Casting Mold

Using 0.6-scale warer modelling based on Fr-We number similitude criteria, the influences of the submerged entry nozzle configuration and operating practices on the level fluctuation in the mold which caused surface defects and mold power catching, were studied. It was found that the level flunction was resulted from gas injection, impacting of the stream and standing wave. The level turblence raises with the incresing of the gas injection, however the casting rate, immersion depth and jet angel of SEN have a dual influenc on the level fluctuation.

Physical modeling of gas-liquid interfacial fluctuation in a thick slab continuous casting mold with argon blowing

Combining with the physical model of level fluctuation in a thick slab continuous casting mold with the cross-section of 1500 mm×280 mm and argon blowing, the rationalities of estimating the level fluctuation by three traditional quantitative approaches were discussed, and the effects of gas flowrate, casting speed, and the immersion depth of submerged entry nozzle （SEN） on the level fluctuation were also investigated. As a result, it seems that three traditional quantitative approaches are not very suitable for estimating the level fluctuation in a mold with argon blowing, so a new approach for estimating level fluctuation in the mold with argon blowing was presented. The experimental results show that the level fluctuation is mainly in the region around the nozzle wall. When the casting speeds are larger than a certain value, there is the escape of large bubbles near the nozzle wall, which causes an obvious increase of level fluctuation. Furthermore, optimal process parameters, viz., the gas flowrate of 6 NL/min, the casting speed of 1.1 m/min, and the immersion depth of 170 mm, are presented to restrain the level fluctuation by a physical model.

Water Modeling of Twin-Roll Strip Casting

Twin-roll strip casting is regarded as a prospective technology of near net shape continuous casting. The fluid flow field and level fluctuation in the pool have a strong influence not only on composition and temperature homogeneity of pool, but also on the strip quality. A 1 ： 1 water model of a twin-roll strip caster was set up based on the criteria of Froude number and Reynold number similarity. The level fluctuation was measured. The influence of pool depth, casting speed and feeding system configuration on level fluctuation in the pool was studied. The experimental results provided a basis for the optimization of feeding system and process parameters.

Investigation of ductile iron casting process parameters using Taguchi approach and response surface methodology

To find the optimized levels of various casting parameters in the ductile iron casting, various casting defects and the rejection rate were observed from a medium scale foundry. The controlled values of different casting parameters such as pouring temperature, inoculation, carbon equivalent, moisture content, green compression strength, permeability and mould hardness were selected. Three different melts of metal with 0.4wt.%, 0.6wt.%, and 0.8wt.% inoculation （Fe-Si-Mg alloy and post inoculant） were produced using a 1-ton capacity coreless medium frequency induction furnace. L-27 orthogonal array with 3-level settings were chosen for the analysis. Responses for each run were observed. The signal-to-noise （S/N） ratio for each run was calculated using the Taguchi approach, and the optimized levels of different casting parameters were identified based on the SIN ratio. The analysis of variance for the casting acceptance percentage concludes that inoculation is the most significant factor affecting the castings＇ quality with a contribution percentage of 44%; an increase in inoculation results in a significant improvement in acceptance percentage of ductile iron castings. The experiment results showed that with the optimized parameters, the rejection rate was reduced from 16.98% to 6.07%.

Formation and control of the surface defect in hypo-peritectic steel during continuous casting:A review

Hypo-peritectic steels are widely used in various industrial fields because of their high strength,high toughness,high processability,high weldability,and low material cost.However,surface defects are liable to occur during continuous casting,which includes depression,longitudinal cracks,deep oscillation marks,and severe level fluctuation with slag entrapment.The high-efficiency production of hypo-peritectic steels by continuous casting is still a great challenge due to the limited understanding of the mechanism of peritectic solidification.This work reviews the definition and classification of hypo-peritectic steels and introduces the formation tendency of common surface defects related to peritectic solidification.New achievements in the mechanism of peritectic reaction and transformation have been listed.Finally,countermeasures to avoiding surface defects of hypo-peritectic steels duiring continuous casting are summarized.Enlightening certain points in the continuous casting of hypo-peritectic steels and the development of new techniques to overcome the present problems will be a great aid to researchers.

Hydraulic simulation of the feeding system in the strip casting process

A 1：1 water model of a twin-roll strip caster was set up based on the Froude number（Fr） and Reynolds number （Re） similarity criteria. Fluctuation and the mixing effect in the molten pool of twin-roll strip casting process were analyzed through hydraulic simulation. The height of the fluctuation of the liquid pool surface and the residence time were measured by DJ800 multifunctional monitor under different process conditions. The results show that the casting velocity, the insertion depth and the pool level have a great effect on the fluctuation.

Simulation of meniscus fluctuations in the feeding system used in strip casting

The feeding system used in the strip casting process delivers molten metal from the tundish to the pool that is bordered by side dams and rolls and is one of the key units in the production of high quality strip metal. The traditional method for studying this key unit is to use a combination of a water model and a mathematical model. However,the relations in the model with and without roll rotation have not been clearly revealed in previous studies. A 2D transient model based on a continuity equation, momentum equation, turbulent equations, and a VOF equation was established in this study and used to simulate the meniscus fluctuation. A half model with a structured grid was used for the reported simulation. The simulation showed that significant differences existed in the fluctuation in the flow fields and wave length with or without the roll rotation. The wave fluctuation exhibited uncertainty and an unstable character in the roll rotation condition. The level fluctuation employing different process parameters such as rotating speed and immersion depth of tip angle was simulated and compared with and without roll rotation. The study results showed that the meniscus fluctuation of twin-roll strip casting was primarily affected by the roll rotation, and the level fluctuation increased with the increase in rotation velocity and decreased with immersion depth.

Full-scale Water Modeling on Flow Field of Continuous Casting Mold

In the continuous casting process of aluminum killed steel grades,nozzle clogging is a common problem.Argon is usually injected into the casting channel through stoppers or nozzles to minimize clogs;however,complex two-phase flow regimes appear,and the flow in the mold might deteriorate.This could result in a higher defect rate in the cast product and should be avoided as much as possible.Therefore,it is important to understand the interaction between process conditions and the refractory products used and their impact on the flow pattern in the mold.In this study,a full-scale water model was established to simulate the slab casting process.Three nozzle shapes and three immersion depths were applied to investigate the flow behavior and liquid level fluctuations by the full-scale water model.The relationship between the flow behavior and continuous casting parameters was evaluated.The results provide guidance for the design and production of the refractory nozzle and the operation of the continuous casting plant.

Experimental observations on the nonproportional multiaxial ratchetting of cast AZ91 magnesium alloy at room temperature

The nonproportional multiaxial ratchetting of cast AZ91 magnesium (Mg) alloy was examined by performing a sequence of axial-torsional cyclic tests controlled by stress with various loading paths at room temperature (RT).The evolutionary characteristics and path dependence of multiaxial ratchetting were discussed.Results illustrate that the cast AZ91 Mg alloy exhibits considerable nonproportional additional softening during cyclic loading with multiple nonproportional multiaxial loading paths;multiaxial ratchetting presents strong path dependence,and axial ratchetting strains are larger under nonproportional loading paths than under uniaxial and proportional45°linear loading paths;multiaxial ratchetting becomes increasingly pronounced as the applied stress amplitude and axial mean stress increase.Moreover,stress-strain curves show a convex and symmetrical shape in axial/torsional directions.Multiaxial ratchetting exhibits quasi-shakedown after certain loading cycles.The abundant experimental data obtained in this work can be used to develop a cyclic plasticity model of cast Mg alloys.

基于Level Set法铸造充型过程气-液两相流数值模拟

针对目前铸造充型流动模拟最为常见VOF方法的不足,建立了基于Level Set方法的气-液两相流数学模型及求解方法。应用所建立的模型,模拟了气泡的运动过程,并通过水模拟试验进行了验证,模拟结果表明,Level Set方法可以有效地模拟铸造充型过程中的气-液两相流动,是铸造模拟技术发展的新方向。

Level Set方法在铸造充型过程数值模拟中的应用

采用一种新的界面追踪方法——Level Set法处理充型过程自由表面,该方法克服了VOF法中需要进行界面重构的弱点,不需要显示地追踪运动界面,可以较容易地处理复杂的界面变化。对基准件试验和水模拟试验进行了模拟,试验和模拟结果表明,Level Set方法可以有效地模拟铸造充型过程中自由表面的运动。

CAST工艺改良对系统强化除磷性能的影响

传统CAST工艺广泛应用于国内各种规模城镇污水处理厂,单凭生物法难以达到城市污水排放一级A标准。采用改良的CAST工艺,在传统CAST工艺基础上引入主反应区独立的搅拌时序,并在实际规模的污水处理厂进行工程示范。通过两阶段的试验,逐步缩短曝气时间延长缺氧搅拌时间,优化聚磷菌的代谢环境,增强聚磷菌的竞争优势。经过改良后的CAST工艺TP去除率达到89.1%,较传统CAST工艺提高了22%,出水TP稳定达到一级A标准。静态试验结果表明改良后的工艺反硝化聚磷菌的比例有所增加,吸收1 mg·L-1的PO34--P需消耗1.67 mg·L-1的NO-3-N。改良后的CAST工艺的反硝化效果得到改善,出水NH+4-N和TN均达到一级A标准,并在提高出水水质的同时节省生化池电耗10.4%。

Experimental investigation on uniaxial cyclic plasticity of cast AZ91 magnesium alloy

The uniaxial cyclic plasticity of cast AZ91 magnesium(Mg) alloy was investigated by conducting a series of cyclic straining and stressing tests at room temperature, and a unique cyclic plasticity(especially for ratchetting) and its physical nature were revealed. The experimental results demonstrate that the cast AZ91 Mg alloy behaviors tension-compression symmetry, because the dislocation slipping and twinning occur during both the tensile and compressive deformations;although the cast AZ91 alloy presents a certain pseudo-elastic behavior during unloading due to the detwinning, there is no obvious S-shaped asymmetric hysteresis loop like that of wrought Mg alloy in the cyclic tensile-compressive tests, and an obvious cyclic hardening is observed;moreover, the ratchetting of the cast AZ91 alloy presented in the cyclic stressing tests depends remarkably on the prescribed mean stress and stress amplitude, but slightly changes with the stress rate, and the evolution of responding peak/valley strain greatly differs from that of wrought Mg alloys and stainless steels. This work provides rich experimental data for establishing the constitutive model of cast Mg alloys.