Papers by Author: Hong Zhou

Abstract: To explore application of step gating system in LFC, filling process of two types of step gating system was simulated, their filling patterns were found, and several engineering examples were analyzed basing on these patterns. It was found the metal start filling through all ingates almost simultaneously if the gating system is open, otherwise the sequence of the ingate filling follow increasing sequence of streamline length from the inlet. It was also found the metal volume through each ingate increased gradually bottom-top when the common step gating system is filled by EPS, but when the common step gating system is open or step gating system have an auxiliary sprue, the metal volume decreases gradually. Analysis on several engineering examples shows the simulation confluence of two liquid metal fronts is basically in accordance with the casting defect locations.

Abstract: In order to explore whether the step gating system played a role in lost foam casting (LFC) process, this paper simulated the mold filling process of a step gating system with an auxiliary sprue and three side ingates by using the gravity LFC model of the code FLOW-3D, and analyzed its mold filling characteristics in LFC. It is found the mass flux ratio through the bottom-side ingate exceed 82% the total mass flux, much more than through the others. And it is also found the metal temperature of the middle region in the height direction is lower than the upper region or bottom region. The results show that the step gating system is not able to achieve its main roles in LFC. Our results can be used to design gating system in LFC.