PREDICTION OF SHRINKAGE CAVITIES IN ALUMINUM-SILICON SAND CASTING

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis work aims to predict the shrinkage cavities of Al-12%Si castings by using the solidification simulation model. The locations, volumes, and extensions of these cavities were predicted by applying new method. This method consists a computation process of the nodes volume variation through the variation of their densities with time, then subtracting the equivalent of these variations from the hot spot nodes. Additionally, an experimental study was performed to check the competency of the prediction method and the model through study the effect of the pouring temperature and the castings geometry on the cavities volume and locations in these castings. It was found that, the present method and model brought out a good prediction of the cavities volume and locations. Also, they showed a good responding to the variations of the castings shape and pouring temperature.