The fluid dynamics of pressure die casting processes
The main text of the thesis consists of seven chapters. Following the literature survey, the work in Chapter 2 focuses on the study of the whole process of pressure die casting. The necessity of reclassification against the traditional 'three-stage' description is introduced in order to build a new basic tenet in constructing theoretical and practical investigations, which leads to the creation of fluid dynamic mathematical models of the process. On the basis of Chapter 2, Chapter 3 concentrates on dealing with the computer simulation of filling flow patterns occurring in the third stage that play the most important role in the process. The Simplified Marker And Cell (SMAC) method is used to obtain the computational results of the filling patterns of pressure die casting processes. On the basis of the computational analysis of typical examples, the viscosity, gravitational force and velocity effects on the overall filling pattern are examined, that lead to a validation of the important hypothesis that an ideal liquid can be used in numerical simulation of filling patterns and this enables one to achieve a more effective computer program for a complex cavity by quasi-3D or 3D models. Chapter 4 treats a specific problem of the residual flow that exists in the final (fifth) stage of the process. Mathematical models of residual flow are derived. Chapter 5 mainly consists of two parts. The first part deals with the application of similitude laws for simulating flows in pressure die casting processes. Detailed analyses and criteria on different relationships between model and prototype are given in order to correct previously offered formulae by Eckert (1989). The results of numerical simulation presented in Chapter 3 are also extended to validate the similitude criteria. The second part of Chapter 5 presents the use of a charge coupled device(CCD) for studying the diversity of fluid motion including the filling pattern, residual flow, thermals and air entrapment during cavity-fill and post cavity-fill within a one single shot cavity filling in water analogue experiments. A discussion, conclusions and suggestions for further study of the subject concerned are presented in Chapters 6 and Chapter 7.
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Brunel University School of Engineering and Design PhD Theses