10.10: Summary
( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)
There are 4 main ways of casting metals; sand casting, die casting, continuous casting and investment casting. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and is suited for producing different components or using different materials.
The Biot number predicts how a casting will solidify, and is equal to
hK/L
where: h = heat transfer coefficient
L = length of the casting
K = thermal conductivity
Commonly 3 zones form as the casting solidifies;
- Chill zone – small crystals form on mould wall.
- Columnar zone – larger grains growing in optimum crystallographic orientations.
- Equiaxed zone – small grains that solidified early but detached and moved back into the liquid.
Going further
Books
Manufacturing with Materials by Lyndon Edwards, Mark Endean Butterworth-Heinemann Limited, ISBN 0750627549 (0-7506-2754-9)
Chapter 2 is an excellent coverage of casting
Websites
Continuous Casting
This site contains more information about continuous casting, and a very advanced simulation of the process.
Prof. H.K.D.H. Bhadeshia's teaching pages