Casting of Titanium Alloys in Centrifugal Induction Furnaces

Abstract

Abstract This paper discusses technical problems related with casting of titanium alloys in centrifugal vacuum furnaces. The potentials of an analysis of the centrifugal casting process carried out in the Flow3D software CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) were presented. Simulations were carried out on a model set, which enables casting of two connecting rods for an I.C. engine. Changes in the mould filling process were examined for the three selected spinning velocities of the casting arm. The ranges of the metal flow velocity in mould were calculated as well as metal pressure in mould after reaching a predetermined spinning velocity. The results and the adopted mould geometry enabled determination of the magnitude of stress occurring in mould at the time of filling it with liquid titanium alloy. The paper presents a methodology for testing of the ceramic material strength using a four-point loading arrangement. The strength of the ceramic material was determined on samples heated at different temperatures. The obtained results enabled a thesis to be formulated that for pouring of moulds in a centrifugal vacuum furnace, the layered foundry ceramic moulds can be safely used, and the use of moulds that will provide the directional solidification of metal should be possible as well.