Factors affecting solidification thermal variables along the cross-section of horizontal cylindrical ingots

During solidification the mathematical analysis of heat flow depends on the transient heat transfer coefficient at the metal/mold interface. The analysis of heat transfer behavior along the cross-section of radial geometries is necessary for a better control of solidification in conventional foundry and continuous casting processes. For this purpose, a water-cooled solidification experimental apparatus was developed, and experiments were carried out with Sn–Pb alloys with different melt superheats. The transient metal/mold heat transfer coefficients were determined by a numerical-experimental fit of casting thermal profiles based on inverse heat transfer calculations. The results have shown a significant variation in heat flow conditions along the cylinder cross-section provoked by the simultaneous action of solidification thermal contraction and the gravitational effect. Experimental equations correlating heat transfer coefficients as a power function of time along the cross-section of cylindrical horizontal castings of Sn–Pb alloys are proposed.