Numerical Simulation of Microstructure Evolution of Al Alloys in Centrifugal Casting

A coupled stochastic model has been developed for the prediction of solidification grain structures in centrifugal casting. The present model consists of two schemes: the cellular automaton to simulate the evolution of solidification structure and the finite volume method to calculate the heat transfer. The present model has been applied to predict the evolution of solidification structures in centrifugal casting of Al alloys. The effects of mold rotation velocity, solute concentration, melt superheat and mold preheating temperature on solidification structures were investigated. In addition, the evolution of dendritic microstructures was also simulated using a modified cellular automaton model. The simulated results were in good agreement with those obtained experimentally.