Simulation of temperature distribution and solidification fronts in squeeze cast commercially pure aluminium

Abstract

This paper simulates the casting temperature of squeeze cast aluminium metal while varying squeeze cast parameters. The effects of applied pressures, die temperatures, delay time and retention time of pressure application on the temperature distribution and solidification fronts of squeeze cast aluminium was simulated. The simulation of temperature distribution was for both the cast metal and steel mould. A model was developed based on the heat transfer equations coupled with internal heat generation due to pressure applications and moving phase change energy balance equations. The computer simulation was used to track the temperature distribution and solidification fronts with time during solidification of molten aluminium in a steel mould. The result shows an increase in solidifying temperature with time as values of applied pressure increase. Longer pressure retention time and shorter delay time result in a higher peak solidifying temperature during squeeze casting of molten aluminium. The solidification time increases with increase in die pre-heat temperature while shorter delay times leads to higher peak solidifying temperature. The comparison between the simulated and the experimental results shows a fairly good agreement with the simulated temperatures slightly higher.