Numerical issues in modelling macrosegregation during DC casting of a multi‐component aluminium alloy
International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow
ISSN: 0961-5539
Article publication date: 18 September 2009
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ways to diminish or eliminate numerical diffusion and dispersion. Numerical dispersion and diffusion are present in the predicted macrosegregation profiles reported in the literature and they hinder the interpretation of the simulation results. With the motivation to eliminate these numerical problems by employing appropriate meshes, simulations of macrosegregation in a billet direct‐chill cast from a multi‐component aluminium alloy has been performed.
Design/methodology/approach
First the idea that numerical dispersion could be alleviated by refining the structured mesh size is tested and the extent of this mesh refining to overcome these numerical problems is discussed. Second the link of numerical dispersion and diffusion to the type of mesh used is investigated.
Findings
Unstructured mesh eliminates the numerical dispersion present in the structured mesh while it introduces the numerical diffusion. It is concluded by performing calculations with the same settings but different meshes that, although refining the structured mesh could alleviate the numerical oscillation, it increases the computation time dramatically. Therefore the best solution to overcome these numerical problems is the employment of a hybrid mesh consisting of both structured and unstructured mesh.
Originality/value
This work reveals the reasons behind the numerical dispersion and diffusion in macrosegregation modelling and gives a practical solution.
Keywords
Citation
Du, Q., Eskin, D.G. and Katgerman, L. (2009), "Numerical issues in modelling macrosegregation during DC casting of a multi‐component aluminium alloy", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 19 No. 8, pp. 917-930. https://doi.org/10.1108/09615530910994423
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited