Use of experiment and an inverse method to study interface heat transfer during solidification in the investment casting process

A technique to determine the thermal boundary conditions existing during the solidification of metallic alloys in the investment casting process is presented. Quantitative information about these conditions is needed so that numerical models of heat transfer in this process produce accurate results. In particular, the variation of the boundary conditions both spatially and temporally must be known. The method used involves the application of a new inverse heat conduction method to thermal data recorded during laboratory experiments of aluminium alloy solidification in investment casting shell moulds. The resultant heat transfer coefficient for the alloy/mould interface is calculated. An experimental programme to determine requisite mould thermal properties was also undertaken. It was observed that there is significant variation of the alloy/mould heat transfer coefficient during solidification. It is found to be highly dependent on the alloy type and on the vertical position below the initial free surface of the liquid metal. The aluminium casting alloys used in this study were 413, A356, 319 (Aluminum Association designations), and commercially pure aluminium. These alloys have significantly different freezing ranges. In particular, it was found that alloys with a high freezing range solidify with rates of heat transfer to the mould which are very sensitive to metallostatic head.