A computer-aided approach for the simulation of the directional-solidification process for gas turbine blades

摘要

A computer-aided approach to simulate the directional-solidification process is proposed, a finite-element method being used to model the thermal gradients and the temperature distribution in the partduring solidification. The model allows simulation of the influence of the mould shape, the chillingplate, the filling metal temperature, the oven temperature and size, the ceramic mould thickness, andthe withdrawal speed, considering the thermophysical characteristics of the metal and the ceramic.The results of the simulation are compared with the results of an experimental analysis done usingthermocouples fixed directly onto a specially-shaped specimen.