Study on the mechanical behaviors of grey iron mould by simulation and experiment

A three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) of 4.5 ton ingot casting system including flow, heat and stress coupled calculation by ProCAST software has been developed. The temperature and stress distribution of grey cast iron mould dependence of solidification time has been revealed. The phase transformation stress has been also taken into account according to the thermal expansion coefficient measured from 293 K to 1193 K during the heating process. Based on the simulated temperature variation of the hot spot in the 4.5 ton mould inner face, the thermal cycling experiment scheme is made. The tensile strength and thermal fatigue resistance of this grey cast iron at various temperatures against pretreatment cycles have been studied. The possibility and tendency of longitudinal cracks and map cracks in ingot mould under service conditions have been discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.