Modelling of materials properties and behaviour critical to casting simulation

Thermo-physical and physical properties of liquid and solid phases during solidification are critical data for casting simulations. However, the number of alloys for which such information is available is limited, primarily due to the difficulty in experimentally determining these properties during the casting/solidification process. Because small variations in composition can have marked effects, it is unwise to extrapolate properties derived from other alloys. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value of integrating the modelling of solidification and the associated thermo-physical and physical properties for multi-component alloys, using Java-based materials properties software (JMatPro). This includes how changes in the composition of an alloy within its specification range can substantially affect its properties during solidification and how properties of the liquid can vary significantly in the mushy zone.