Geometrical Optimization of the Cast Iron Bullion Moulds Based on Fracture Mechanics

Corporation are investigated and then some new geometrical models are presented to replace thecurrent moulds. finally, among the new presented models and according to the life assessment, thebest model is selected and suggested as the replaced one. for this purpose, the three recommendedmoulds were modeled and analyzed by ansys software. first, a thermal analysis and then athermo-mechanical coupled field analysis were performed on each three model. the results of theanalysis are used to determine the critical zone. the critical zone is selected on the symmetric axisof the inner surface of the mould. by comparing the principle stress contours and temperaturedistribution contours of three models, one of the suggested models was selected as optimizedgeometrical model. then, the crack modeling and the life assessment on the optimized model wereimplemented and the total life of the model was calculated. comparison of the life of theoptimized and the initial models shows an increase in the life of the suggested model. the resultsare verified with the experiments.