Grain selection in spiral selectors during investment casting of single-crystal components: Part II. Numerical modeling

Journal article

In this article, grain selection in spiral selectors during investment casting of single-crystal (SX) components is simulated using a cellular automaton grain structure model (CAFE) within a finite element thermal model (PROCAST). The models were validated against experimental observations and then were applied to model the effect of geometry of the spiral selectors on grain selection through a systematic approach. It was found that the efficiency of the spiral selector is significantly dependent on its geometry; the spiral becomes more efficient in selecting single grain with a smaller wax wire diameter; larger spiral rotation diameter, and smaller take-off angle. Recommendations for optimizing the spiral geometry are provided. © 2011 The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society and ASM International.

Authors: Dai, H; Dong, H; D'Souza, N; Gebelin, J; Reed, R

• Journal: Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science
• Volume: 42
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 3439-3446
• Publication date: 2011-11-01
• DOI: 10.1007/s11661-011-0757-1
• EISSN: 1543-1940
• ISSN: 1073-5623
• Language: English