Optimising Computational Fluid Dynamic Conditions for Simulating Copper Vertical Casting

Thomas David Arthur Jones (Lead / Corresponding author), Richie I. Strachan, David M. Mackie, Mervyn Cooper, Brian Frame, Jan B. Vorstius

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

A 2-D finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model, using Ansys Fluent vR.1 of a vertically oriented upwards continuous casting (VUCC), was investigated for 8 mm, oxygen free copper (OFCu). The simulations enabled the mapping of the cast OFCu solidification front (SF) interface from liquid to solid. Optimisation of the simulation parameters were investigated which included mesh size and the Ansys specific ‘mushy zone’ constant (Amush), which is used to account for fluid flow dampening at SF within the model. Observations of the SF, the change in fluid volume in the die, the simulation convergence and the total simulation time, revealed that the optimised casting parameters were for mesh size 1×10-4 m and Amush 106 kg/m3 s. These parameters were compared with the cast rod and highlighted qualitatively the relationship between grain growth direction and SF position during a casting pulse cycle.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)642 - 647
Number of pages6
JournalMaterials Science Forum
Volume1016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Jan 2021

Keywords

  • Casting
  • Copper Alloy,
  • CFD
  • Mesh size
  • grain structure
  • pushback
  • Pushback
  • Grain structure
  • Copper alloy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • General Materials Science

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