Solidification of spheroidal graphite cast irons—II. numerical simulation

A model of the solidification of spheroidal graphite cast iron (SGI) has been detailed in Part I. It was designed to allow the description of the successive steps of solidification of hypereutectic as well as hypoeutectic alloys, i.e. the pro-eutectic deposits and the eutectic reaction. In the present paper, this model is used first as a tool to analyse the main features of the solidification of SGI as experimentally established. Calculations are then described which were carried out to simulate a series of test castings from which sufficient experimental information was obtained to discuss the validity and the limits of the present modelling and simulating approach. Particular emphasis is put on the nucleation and growth of graphite nodules and on the precipitation of non-eutectic austenite during the eutectic stage.