Heat Transfer Simulation in the Mold With Generalized Curvilinear Formulation

The production of a part by foundry techniques is influenced by its complex geometry configuration, which affects the solidification conditions and subsequent cooling. For example certain pipes, some vessels and most valves are produced by casting. To model the solidification of the complex shapes such as valves is difficult if Cartesian coordinates are used. Even simpler parts like pipes may become difficult to model because they usually are not orthogonally ruled shapes. The main objective of this paper is to describe the development of a finite volume method intended to simulate the heat transfer phenomena during the phase change process. Because of the mold design complexity, the finite volume is described using the generalized curvilinear formulation.