THE BENEFITS OF MATHEMATICAL-MODELING IN METALS CASTING

Mathematical modeling is gaining acceptance in industrial environments at an impressive rate, primarily because if offers a wealth of advantages over conventional techniques for process estimation. The mathematical modeling of metallurgical processes in general, however, presents a series of considerations which mast be addressed before any advances can be realized. In an effort to improve the efficiency of the transition to process modeling, some essential concepts in proposing the modeling of casting processes are presented and discussed in detail. for illustrative purposes, the modeling of industrial casting processes is contemplated, including continuous, sand, investment, permanent mold, centrifugal, die, near net, ceramic and plaster casting. The advantages and disadvantages of designing and implementing mathematical models are addressed and, on a philosophical note, modeling in general is portrayed simultaneously as both a science and an art, with characteristics pertaining to both disciplines.