Development of model-based simulation and optimization software for electron beam melting and refining

Abstract

In this paper the development of a software for electron beam melting and refining (EBMR) of different materials is presented. It has the following functional characteristics: simulation of the temperature distributions in the cast ingots, investigation and optimization of the form of the liquid pool during the process of EBMR and estimation of the inclusion refining rates, depending on the EBMR process parameters. The temperature distributions in the cast ingots are simulated by the implementation of quasi steady-state two-dimensional heat model and three-dimensional time-dependent thermal model for different refined metals. Empirical models are estimated, integrated in the developed software and used for the investigation of the molten pool geometry parameters, the content of impurities after the electron beam refining process, refining rate, overall inclusion removal efficiency and the material losses. The influence of EBMR process parameters such as electron beam power, casting velocity, refining time, and electron beam radius are considered. Multicriterial optimization software functions can be implemented for solving concrete technological requirements for each practical use-case.