Abstract
Prediction of solidification shrinkage during investment casting requires applicable and realistic thermal properties of the ceramic shell. The objective of this research was to study the thermal properties of ceramic investment casting shells using different measurement methods and to evaluate the applicability of this data for the modeling of the investment casting process using casting process simulation software. Thermal properties of an industrial shell were investigated using the Laser Flash method and compared to previous Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results. In addition, to assess the properties determined by these physical methods, inverse modeling of experimental cooling curves was performed. A melt with known properties (pure Ni) was poured into the ceramic shell molds which had thermocouples located in the center of casting and outside the shell layer. Inverse modeling using the proprietary casting process simulation software, Magmasoft ® and its additional optimization tool were applied to calculate temperature dependent heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the shell. The effects of the shell microstructure and porosity on thermal properties are discussed. A modified laser flash procedure is presented which minimizes the influence of open pores at the surface. The experimental/modeling data were compared to theoretically predicted data. The results obtained will be used for improving the precision of investment casting process modeling.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Transactions of the American Foundry Society |
| State | Published - 2012 |
Disciplines
- Mechanical Engineering
Keywords
- Ceramic shell
- Confirmation
- Investment
- Measurements
- Multiple methods
- Thermal properties