Finite Elements for a Thermomechanical Analysis of Solidification Processes

Abstract : This paper presents a thermo-mechanical approach to the numerical simulation of solidification processes. A three-dimensional finite element analysis is presented. After a brief recall about the heat transfer computation, the mechanical model is detailed. The behaviour of the cast alloy is modelled either by a thermo-elastic-viscoplastic model, or by a thermo-viscoplastic model, depending on the local solid fraction. The mould is deformable and assumed thermoelastic. A mixed velocity-pressure formulation has been developed, using tetrahedral P1+/P1 elements. The model has been implemented in Thercast software for three-dimensional casting simulation.