A Mathematical Examination of the Impact of Mould Transparency to Infrared Radiation on Solidification during Investment Casting
Monday, June 19, 2023, 9:40 AM - 10:00 AM
Max Bell Theatre
Christopher Jones

The investment casting process is a highly dynamic process during which multiple competing physical phenomena are at work. Those seeking to both understand and simulate such processes computationally are confronted with a considerable task, balancing accuracy with efficiency. Approximations and models based on well understood and documented fundamentals of physics are powerful tools in a modeller’s arsenal. Driven by observed discrepancies between experimental thermocouple measurements and simulation predictions of casting temperatures, this work aims to explore the additional alloy cooling mechanism of mould transparency to infrared radiation, targeting a new mathematical approximation applicable in such situations. As well as direct attenuation, scattering from coarse sand, sand distribution in the mould and material temperatures play a role in the extent of radiation transparency that must be taken into account. From this model, estimation of the additional cooling rate resulting from expected mould transparency can be determined and applied as a corrective measure to simulations results that do not capture this phenomena. This relatively simple model provides a reasonable improvement to the prediction of casting temperatures during computation fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, as well as being applicable to multiple casting processes.

Moderated by: Andre Phillion / Matt Krane