Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

A finite element model for the process of squeeze casting for metal matrix composites (MMCs) in cylindrical mold is developed. The fluid flow and the heat transfer are the fundamental phenomena in the squeeze casing process. To describe heat transfer with solidification of molten aluminum, the energ...

A finite element model for the process of squeeze casting for metal matrix composites (MMCs) in cylindrical mold is developed. The fluid flow and the heat transfer are the fundamental phenomena in the squeeze casing process. To describe heat transfer with solidification of molten aluminum, the energy equation in terms of temperature and enthalpy are applied to two dimensional axisymmetric model which is similar to the experimental system. And one dimensional flow model is employed to simulate the transient metal flow. The direct iteration technique was used to solve the resulting nonlinear algebraic equations. A computer program is developed to calculate the enthalpy, temperature and fluid velocity. Cooling curves and temperature distribution during infiltration and solidification are calculated for pure aluminum. The temperature is measured and recorded experimentally. At two points of the perform inside and one point of the mold outside, thermocouple wire are installed. The time-temperature data are compared with the calculated cooling curves. The experimental results show that the finite element model can estimate the solidification time and predict the cooling process.