Enhanced medial axis interpolation algorithm and its application to hotspot prediction in a mould–casting assembly

Abstract The use of a medial axes transformation technique to predict temperature profile and hot spots in solidifying castings is investigated. In essence, a simplistic yet comprehensive temperature interpolation algorithm is proposed, which can solve the solidification problem qualitatively and quantitatively. The method combines the advantages of geometric reasoning and conventional numerical simulation. Previous work by the authors (valid only for a casting geometry without a mould) is enhanced and modified to take into account the effect of the mould and to consider the interaction of the whole mould–casting assembly. The feasibility of the proposed technique is demonstrated by comparison with both a pure geometric reasoning technique and finite element modelling. In addition, numerical predictions of the model are validated against real-life casting geometries.