Experimental and numerical analysis of hot tearing susceptibility for Mg–Y alloys

The influences of Y content and initial mold temperatures on the hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) of binary Mg–Y alloys were investigated using a constrained rod casting (CRC) apparatus, which is equipped with a load cell and data acquisition systems. The hot crack formation was monitored during CRC experiments. The experimental results show that HTS first increases with increase in the Y content, reaches the maximum at about 1.5 wt% Y and then decreases with further increase in the content of Y. The severest of hot tearing is found in Mg–1.5 wt% Y alloy which is due to its large columnar grain structure, wide solidification range, and small amount of eutectic. The resistance to hot tearing is apparently improved by increasing the initial mold temperature. ProCAST simulation software was used to predict the hot tearing of Mg–Y alloys in CRC. The simulation results show a good agreement with the experimental measurements. The numerical simulations will be helpful and valuable to optimize the alloy composition and casting parameters to minimize the hot tearing defects.     

A modified hot tearing criterion for direct chill casting of aluminium alloys

Using the good criteria to predict hot tearing is very important during DC casting of aluminium alloys. Among all the hot tearing criteria, a fracture-mechanics based SKK criterion proposed by Suyitno et al. has made considerable improvements in the hot tearing prediction. However, its obtained hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) evolution during solidification is also not completely consistent with real industrial production circumstances, especially when approaching the solidus temperature. In this paper, some further modifications are made based on the SKK criterion to emphasise the important effect of solid bridging/grain coalescence on hot tear propagation. It is proved that the HTS evolution in freezing range predicted by the modified hot tearing criterion is in good agreement with casting practice.     

Hot tearing mechanisms of B206 aluminum–copper alloy

In this study, the mechanisms of hot tearing in B206 aluminum alloy were investigated. Castings were produced at three mold temperatures (250 °C, 325 °C and 400 °C) and with two levels of titanium (0.02 wt% and 0.05 wt%) to investigate the effects of cooling rate and grain refinement. A constrained-rod casting mold attached to a load cell was used to monitor the contraction force during solidification and subsequently determine the onset temperature of hot tearing in B206. The corresponding onset solid fraction of hot tearing was estimated from the solid phase evolution of α-Al in B206 using in situ neutron diffraction solidification analysis. Hot tears were found to occur at solid fractions ranging from 0.81 to 0.87. Higher mold temperatures significantly reduced hot tearing severity in B206 but did not alter the onset solid fraction. In contrast, additions of titanium to B206 were effective at eliminating hot tears by transforming the grain structure from coarse dendrites to finer and more globular grains. Finally, in situ neutron diffraction solidification analysis also successfully determined the solid phase evolution of intermetallic Al₂Cu during solidification, which in turn, provided a better understanding of the role of Al₂Cu in the development of hot tears in B206.     

汽车增压器涡轮用铸造高温合金热裂研究进展

采用高温合金浇注汽车增压器涡轮时,叶片极易产生热裂,热裂的存在严重影响了铸造高温合金在增压涡轮上的使用。介绍了几种目前国内广泛使用的汽车增压器涡轮用铸造高温合金,对铸件热裂的形成机理进行了综述,重点探讨了铝、钛、碳、锆和铪等元素对铸造高温合金热裂倾向性的影响。综述了合金凝固方式和铸型性质、浇注条件、铸件结构、浇注系统等铸造工艺参数对热裂的影响,并提出了防止热裂产生的措施。     

A study on the numerical simulation of thermal stress during the solidification of shaped castings

In order to study the development of thermal stress and to predict the hot tearing and residual stress of shaped casting, two models were used to carry out the stress analysis of the two stages of solidification. The rheological model [H]–[H|N]–[N|S] was used for the quasi-solid zone while the thermo-elasto-plastic model was used for the period after solidification. Coupling the thermal analysis based on the finite different method with the stress analysis based on the finite element method, a FDM/FEM integrated system of thermal stresses analysis during the solidification process was developed. After experimental verification, the system was put into practical application. The analysis results during the quasi-solid zone show that the visco-plastic strain is an important factor for the occurrence of hot tearing. The hot tearing of a case steel casting and the residual stresses and deformation of a hydro-turbine blade steel casting were analyzed and predicted using the system. The simulation and the practical results were basically in agreement.     

A study on the numerical simulation of thermal stress during the solidification of shaped castings

In order to study the development of thermal stress and to predict the hot tearing and residual stress of shaped casting, two models were used to carry out the stress analysis of the two stages of solidification. The rheological model [H]–[H|N]–[N|S] was used for the quasi-solid zone while the thermo-elasto-plastic model was used for the period after solidification. Coupling the thermal analysis based on the finite different method with the stress analysis based on the finite element method, a FDM/FEM integrated system of thermal stresses analysis during the solidification process was developed. After experimental verification, the system was put into practical application. The analysis results during the quasi-solid zone show that the visco-plastic strain is an important factor for the occurrence of hot tearing. The hot tearing of a case steel casting and the residual stresses and deformation of a hydro-turbine blade steel casting were analyzed and predicted using the system. The simulation and the practical results were basically in agreement.     

An investigation on solidification path and hot tearing tendency of Mg−2Zn−3Y−xAl alloys

Based on the improved Clyne‐Davies’ model (CSC_T), the hot tearing tendency of Mg?2Zn?3Y?xAl (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, wt.%) alloys were predicted. The concretion path, the solidification characteristic temperature, the dendrite coherent solid fraction were studied by the double thermocouples thermal analysis. The curve of solidification contraction stress with temperature (or time) was measured with a “T” type hot tearing permanent‐mold. The experimental results show that the modified Clyne‐Davies’ model prediction values are in good agreement with the experimental results. Al₂Y phase can be used as the heterogeneous nucleation core of α‐Mg matrix and refine the α‐Mg grain size. It is found that Al₂Y increases, grain refinement is more obvious, dendrite coherence is postponed, and the hot tearing susceptibility of the alloy decreases significantly with increasing aluminum content.     

差压铸造薄壁铝硅合金铸件的位置效应

采用差压铸造工艺,研究垂直缝隙式浇注系统浇注的铝合金硅铸件不同位置的组织和力学性能变化.采用石英砂型、SiC砂型和冷铁,浇口处铸件的晶粒最细小,致密度高、力学性能最好;铸件冷端的组织和性能次之;位于两者之间的铸件的组织和性能最差.分析表明对于具有垂直缝隙式浇注系统,差压铸造凝固压力对金属的凝固作用具有位置效应,浇口处液态金属温度高,凝固时间长,凝固压力对浇口处金属的凝固作用显著;铸件冷端金属凝固时间短,凝固压力对该处金属的凝固作用不显著,铸型的冷却速度对铸件组织和性能的影响起显著作用.浇口处与冷端之间的金属液体的凝固受压力和冷却速度的影响小,铸件的晶粒尺寸最大、密度最小、性能最低.冷却速度提高,铸件的任意位置的组织和性能都相应得到提高.     

Y含量对MgZn9YxZr0.5合金热裂敏感性的影响

基于Clyne-Davies模型,对MgZn9YxZr0.5(x=1,2,4,6,质量分数/%,下同)合金热裂敏感性(CSC)进行预测;采用X射线衍射(XRD)和扫描电子显微镜(SEM)分别对MgZn9YxZr0.5合金的显微组织与断口区域形貌进行观察,并采用"T"型热裂模具测试系统,采集MgZn9YxZr0.5合金凝固收缩应力随温度(或时间)的变化曲线。结果表明:CSC预测值与裂纹体积实测值具有相同的变化趋势,其热裂敏感性从高到低的顺序是:MgZn9Y1Zr0.5>MgZn9Y6Zr0.5>MgZn9Y2Zr0.5>MgZn9Y4Zr0.5;当w(Y)≤4%时,枝晶干涉点温度与热裂纹萌生温度随Y含量增加而降低,而当w(Y)=6%时,枝晶干涉点温度与热裂纹萌生温度随之升高。随Y含量不同,MgZn9YxZr0.5合金凝固过程中析出相类型、含量以及α-Mg枝晶倾向的改变被认为是影响晶界裂纹萌生、扩展和热裂的主要微观机制。     

Computer model of unidirectional solidification of single crystals of high temperature alloys

Abstract

I t has been common practice to use mould withdrawal unidirectional solidification to produce single crystal castings. To grow single crystals successfully, it is important to control several solidification parameters, such as the morphology of the solidification front (solid/liquid interface), thermal gradient, and growth rate during solidification. It is the aim of this study to develop a solidification model that can predict such solidification parameters for various design and operating conditions. The solidification phenomena in the process modelled are basically controlled by two heat transfer mechanisms: conduction and radiation. A set of heat transfer equations and boundary conditions were employed to describe mathematically the heat transfer phenomena. Then the finite difference method was used numerically to solve these equations for specified boundary conditions to obtain the temperature distribution and temperature variation in the casting. The solidification parameters can subsequently be deduced from these temperature data. Several thin plate castings were tested using the model developed. The following design and operating conditions were evaluated: susceptor temperature (power input), withdrawal speed, changes of cross-sectional area in the casting, and geometrical arrangement of the casting tree.

MST/1422     

电磁搅拌作用下CoCrMo合金熔模铸件凝固细晶研究

目的 研究电磁搅拌对CoCrMo合金熔模铸件晶粒尺寸的影响,解决熔模铸造CoCrMo合金铸件晶粒粗大的问题。方法 将CoCrMo合金熔化后,在其凝固过程中分别施加不同工艺参数的电磁搅拌,并对其凝固后的组织进行表征分析。同时,采用有限元法对电磁搅拌在金属熔体中的电磁场和流场进行数值模拟。结果 在不同的电磁搅拌参数下,CoCrMo合金铸件凝固组织出现了不同程度的细晶效果,浇道处的细晶效果优于铸件试棒处的。铸件试棒处的晶粒尺寸最小能控制在1 mm以下,等轴晶率最高能提升至31%。数值模拟结果表明,在电磁搅拌过程中,铸件试棒的磁场、电流和洛伦兹力都呈周期性变化,铸件试棒内部的流速随搅拌时间的延长而增大,最后趋于稳定。结论 电磁搅拌对CoCrMo合金的凝固组织产生了明显的细化效果,促进了柱状晶向等轴晶转变。电磁搅拌的时间越长,铸件凝固组织的细化效果越好,铸件厚大部位的细晶效果越显著。结合实验结果和数值模拟结果发现,在电磁搅拌过程中,熔体流动引发枝晶断裂是晶粒细化的主要原因,而电磁场促进异质形核为次要原因。     

Solidification morphology and semi-solid deformation in superalloy Rene 108

A high temperature nickel-base superalloy (Rene 108) was directionally solidified by imposing various growth rates and thermal gradients using a modified Bridgeman apparatus. The scaling of the solidification structure was recorded as a function of the imposed growth variables. A special Gleeble testing procedure, developed previously where the solidified samples were quickly raised to a predetermined temperature in the semi-solid zone and fractured, was used for the measurement of fracture conditions in the semi-solid region. The effect of the solidification process variables, namely, the temperature gradient and velocity, on the fracture stress in the transverse direction was to increase the fracture stress at a given temperature. The upper hot-tearing temperature was noted to be a function of the solidification variables. The amount of strain accommodation and the hot tearing resistance was found to be influenced by the solidification microstructure. Fracture maps, which include the temperature, transverse fracture stress and temperature gradient during solidification (T-σ_T-G), for the directionally solidified microstructures are presented. Castability maps are created from the microstructure and the fracture data and display the porosity and semi-solid strength as a function of the casting variables.     

ZG20SiMn铸钢摇臂壳体铸造过程数值仿真及工艺优化

摇臂壳体是采煤机的重要组成部件,具有多级壁厚、变截面等异形特征。为提高采煤机摇臂壳体铸造质量,解决因铸造工艺不成熟导致的缩松、缩孔等缺陷问题。以MG325型采煤机摇臂壳体为研究对象,设计顶注式和底注式两种铸造工艺方案,采用ProCAST软件探究不同浇注工艺方案下摇臂壳体铸件充型及凝固过程,分析铸件温度场、凝固场及缩松、缩孔铸造缺陷位置。基于Niyama判据和应力场分布对底注式铸造工艺方案进行优化。结果表明:优化后摇臂壳体铸件在凝固冷却过程中保持温度梯度递增,促进铸件实现顺序凝固,铸件缺陷率明显降低且充型效果更佳,缩孔体积仅占摇臂壳体体积的0.004 9%,电机孔薄壁端面应力优化量为38.47%,输出端孔处应力优化量达到91.08%。本文研究成果为采煤机摇臂壳体的铸造工艺提供了理论基础和数据支撑。     

Modelling and simulation of the electric slag remelting guide vane casting (ESRC) process and its application

Modelling and experiment work is carried out for a large stainless steel casting with variable cross-section and a curved surface which is produced by the electric slag remelting casting process. The casting is part of a hydraulic runner generator at a power station of a big river.

Mathematical models of the heat transfer and melted rate from an expendable metallic electrode were established. The melted rate is related to some important parameters, such as electric current and voltage, temperature and the flow rate of the cooling water in a crystallizer. Electrode melting, the moving pattern of the melted pool and the slag pool and the melt solidification in the metal pool were simulated.

In order to make the enmeshment of the variable curved surface of the casting, a co-operation method of extended constructive solid geometry (CSG) from 9 to 21 uniform geometry with B-Spline surface functions is developed. By this method the guide vane casting is enmeshed. The boundary condition between the steel casting and the crystallizer cooled by water was measured.

Based on the above new content the solidification simulation software ESRC3D is developed. Using it to simulate the whole process of ESRC with different parameters, instead of exploring the technological parameters of casting production by the trail-and-error method, the optimized parameters from the simulation for production of the large stainless steel castings with variable cross-section and a curved surface, such as the guide vane castings, have been used to produce them. Economic benefit and good quality of castings are obtained. Guide vane castings are widely applied to the hydraulic runner generator at numerous river power stations.     

Modelling and simulation of the electric slag remelting guide vane casting (ESRC) process and its application

Modelling and experiment work is carried out for a large stainless steel casting with variable cross-section and a curved surface which is produced by the electric slag remelting casting process. The casting is part of a hydraulic runner generator at a power station of a big river.Mathematical models of the heat transfer and melted rate from an expendable metallic electrode were established. The melted rate is related to some important parameters, such as electric current and voltage, temperature and the flow rate of the cooling water in a crystallizer. Electrode melting, the moving pattern of the melted pool and the slag pool and the melt solidification in the metal pool were simulated.In order to make the enmeshment of the variable curved surface of the casting, a co-operation method of extended constructive solid geometry (CSG) from 9 to 21 uniform geometry with B-Spline surface functions is developed. By this method the guide vane casting is enmeshed. The boundary condition between the steel casting and the crystallizer cooled by water was measured.Based on the above new content the solidification simulation software ESRC3D is developed. Using it to simulate the whole process of ESRC with different parameters, instead of exploring the technological parameters of casting production by the trail-and-error method, the optimized parameters from the simulation for production of the large stainless steel castings with variable cross-section and a curved surface, such as the guide vane castings, have been used to produce them. Economic benefit and good quality of castings are obtained. Guide vane castings are widely applied to the hydraulic runner generator at numerous river power stations.     

Effect of Zn addition on hot tearing behaviour of Mg–0.5Ca–xZn alloys

The influence of Zn addition (0, 0.5, 1.5, 4.0 and 6.0 wt.%) on hot tearing behaviour of Mg–0.5 wt.% Ca alloy was investigated using a constrained rod casting (CRC) apparatus. The effects of mould temperature and grain refinement on the hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) were studied. Hot tears were observed with 3D X-ray tomography and the tear volumes were quantified. Results show that the Zn addition increases the HTS of Mg–0.5Ca alloys. At a mould temperature of 250 °C, all alloys investigated except Mg–0.5Ca–6Zn alloy show severe HTS. An increase in the mould temperature from 250 °C to 450 °C did not reduce the HTS in Mg–0.5Ca–1.5Zn and Mg–0.5Ca–4Zn alloys. Among all the investigated alloys, Mg–0.5Ca–4Zn alloy exhibits severe HTS as it completely broke away from the sprue–rod junction. The HTS of alloys was well correlated with the susceptible temperature range (ΔT_s). An increase in ΔT_s increased the HTS. The hot tears propagated along the grain boundaries through liquid film rupture. Grain refinement by Zr addition improved the hot tearing resistance of Mg–0.5Ca–4Zn alloy as the fine grain structure facilitated the easy feeding of liquid into the last area of solidification and accommodated the developed strain more effectively.     

Numerical Simulation of Solidification Process on Single Crystal Ni-Based Superalloy Investment Castings

Bridgman directional solidification of investment castings is a key technology for the production of reliable and highly efficient gas turbine blades. In this paper, a mathematical model for three-dimensional （3D） simulation of solidification process of single crystal investment castings was developed based on basic heat transfer equations. Complex heat radiation among the multiple blade castings and the furnace wall was considered in the model. Temperature distribution and temperature gradient in superalloy investment castings of single blade and multiple ones were investigated, respectively. The calculated cooling curves were compared with the experimental results and agreed well with the latter. It is indicated that the unsymmetrical temperature distribution and curved liquid-solid interface caused by the circle distribution of multiple turbine blades are probably main reasons why the stray grain and other casting defects occur in the turbine blade.     

Semi-solid deformation in multi-component nickel aluminide

A systematic study was carried out to determine the solidification and the tensile behaviour of semi-solid multicomponent nickel aluminide. Directionally solidified samples were tested at various temperatures in the mushy (semi-solid) region. A special Gleeble testing procedure was developed where transverse and longitudinal (5 mm) samples were quickly raised to a predetermined temperature in the semi-solid zone and fractured. The fracture stresses were found to decrease monotonically with temperature. The strain to fracture exhibited a ductility minimum at an intermediate temperature in the semi-solid zone. The effect of the solidification process variables, namely, the temperature gradient and velocity, on the fracture stress in the transverse direction was to increase the fracture stress at a given temperature. In the longitudinal direction, the fracture stress decreases with the temperature gradient and was relatively independent of velocity. At the temperature corresponding to the strain minimum, residual microcracks were detected on the fracture surface. The upper hot tearing temperature was noted to be a function of the solidification variables. The amount of strain accommodation and the hot tearing resistance was found to be influenced by the solidification microstructure. Fracture maps which include the transverse fracture stress, temperature, and temperature gradient during solidification (_T-T-G) for the directionally solidified microstructures are presented. A castability map is created from the fracture data.     

基于数值模拟的杆状钛合金铸件熔模铸造工艺研究

根据杆状钛合金铸件的结构特点,分别采用顺序凝固理论和均衡凝固理论设计浇注系统,并利用数值模拟方法对两种浇注系统进行了仿真,分析了杆状钛合金铸件的温度场、应力场情况,确定了利用均衡凝固理论的铸造方案适合生产该铸件,根据模拟结果,对铸造工艺方案进行优化模拟。采用优化后的铸造工艺方案生产铸件,获得了合格的符合客户需求的杆状钛合金铸件。     

双辊铸造热裂形成及工艺控制

作为铸造过程中最常见且较严重的缺陷,热裂对双辊铸坯的质量具有重要的影响。在对热裂形成机理进行总结与分析的基础上,结合双辊铸造过程中热裂的形成及其主要影响因素,从工艺上对热裂的控制进行探讨与综述,提出在双辊铸造热裂研究中有待加强的方面。