Modeling of crystal solidification in a full-scale ingot - prediction of grain size and morphology using the VIR[CAST] grain growth model

摘要

The grain growth model, as developed within the VIR[CAST] project, has been employed to predict microstructural features in a full-scale AA3103 ingot, namely that of the VIR[*] full-scale plant trial. The temperature measurements during casting, and the extensive characterization data performed by others are used to validate the model's predictions. In addition, fluid flow calculation results were used as input to the grain growth model, giving similar results. The predicted grain size is 209 micron for both centre and surface. The model predicts globulitic grains at the center, and dendritic grains close to the surface, with a secondary dendrite arm spacing of 42 micron. The agreement with experiments is satisfactory.