from the conferences organized by TANGER Ltd.
Experimental study and numerical model for the thermo-mechanical properties in continuous casting (CC) of Cu-Al alloys is presented. This is a prerequisite basis for further development of the Cu based shape memory alloys (SMA) with various alloying elements (like Ni or Mn). A coupled thermo-mechanical numerical simulation of the CC process is implemented and applied to the full non-equilibrium process conditions. In the experimental part, we have used simple yet effective vertical continuous casting system. For the quantitative comparison, we have implemented special temperature measurement system within graphite crystallizer that enables us to monitor temperature profile at several spots around solidification front in real time. The present analysis of the various process parameters effect on the solidification process includes: casting speed, thermal contact conductivity, liquid metal temperature and cooling system set up. For microstructural examination we have prepared samples from rods that were subsequently investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) analysis. Comparisons of the experimental results and numerical simulation have been carried out. We have developed a comprehensive numerical simulation model that quantitatively describes non-equilibrium time-dependent temperature profile, solid fraction and microstructure features in as cast state. Results from the coupled thermo-mechanical and microstructural simulations compare favorably with experimental data suggesting the casting speed as a key parameter in process optimization.
Keywords: Material processing, continuous casting, solidification, thermo-mechanical, multiphysics© This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.