Computer modelling of the ablation casting process and prediction of the strength properties of AC-42000 castings

Abstract

The demand for castings with superior properties has compelled the development and optimization of manufacturing technologies. By further developing already known techniques, we are able to contribute to the introduction of new research possibilities. The article presents the methodology of conducting simulation tests of the gravity casting process into sand moulds with the use of ablation. The ablation technique consists in spraying water through evenly spaced nozzles onto a mould into which the liquid casting alloy has been poured. The conducted research focuses on an alloy from the group of Al-Si alloys. In order to compare the effects of different techniques, additional tests were carried out for gravity casting into sand and metal die moulds. At the same time, virtual experiments were conducted to develop a simulation methodology for ablation casting technology, taking into account mould degradation. Additionally, the possibility of predicting the final mechanical properties of various manufacturing technologies was tested. Destructive tests were carried out to determine the mechanical properties in the cast samples, as well as microstructure tests and secondary dendrite spacing. The results of the mechanical tests are compared with the predicted simulation properties.