Solidification process, microstructure control and mechanical behaviour in spheres produced in 2205 duplex stainless steel by swirling casting

Swirling casting is a process usually applied for the production of axial symmetric castings. The quality and performances of the products realised through this technology are widely influenced by the directionality of the produced solidification structure that rules the extension of the columnar zone. A correct design of the casting process is a fundamental issue to reach the desired properties featuring the final products, and to reach this goal, the coupling between the experimental observations and the computational simulations is needed. The work has also been integrated with finite element method analysis with the scope of evaluating the internal component behaviour (sphere, seat and support plate) of a sphere valve subjected to different load cases in order to understand whether the obtained microstructure of solidification is suitable and efficient for the construction of the valve.