Modelling and analysis of a horizontal direct chill casting process

Gardar Gardarsson, Throstur Gudmundsson, Magnus Th Jonsson, Halldor Palsson

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze bleed-outs in Horizontal Direct Chill (HDC) casting process by using a finite element model (FEM). HDC casting machines for aluminium are made for continuous casting with typical duration from 3 to 20 days according to the equipment manufacturer. Reduced duration due to technical difficulties affects capacity, productivity and cost. In order to improve understanding of the operation and the effect of alternative casting parameters an FEM model was developed for a 36 bar HDC machine installed in the Alcoa Fjardaal casthouse. Simulations were done for alternative inlet metal temperatures, cooling water temperatures, cooling water flow rate and casting speed with the focus on extracting information about potential bleed out conditions of a cast bar. Physical measurements were done on the HDC under real casting conditions and compared with the results of the numerical simulation showing good agreement with the measured results.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)955-966
Number of pages12
JournalMinerals, Metals and Materials Series
Issue number210819
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
EventInternational Symposium on Light Metals, 2017 - San Diego, United States
Duration: 26 Feb 20172 Mar 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright: © The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2017.

Other keywords

  • Bleed-out
  • FEM simulation
  • HDC casting

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