Research on the macro- and meso-mechanical properties of frozen sand mold based on Hertz-Mindlin with Bonding model

Abstract

In this study, macro- and meso-mechanical properties of frozen sand molds were discussed based on the Hertz-Mindlin with Bonding (HMB) model. Plackett-Burman, steepest ascent, and central composite designs were utilized to propose a parameter calibration methodology. The effects of mesoscopic parameter variations on the compressive strength and average gradient of stress-strain were investigated through response surface method analysis. Results showed that the relative error between the simulated and measured repose angle is 3.1% under calibrated intrinsic contact parameters. The compressive strength and average stress-strain gradient primarily depend on the normal and shear stiffness per unit area, as well as the particle size and porosity of the silica sand. Furthermore, taking load-displacement curves of three frozen sand molds with different geometric characteristics as the target value, the reliability and effectiveness of the frozen sand mold HMB model were verified through uniaxial compression tests and discrete element simulations.