Numerical Methods for Tracking Interfaces With Surface Tension in 3-D Mold Filling Processes

Gravity-pour casting processes are simulated for both low and high Weber number flows. The validation problems examined are a symmetric side-fill problem and a more complex asymmetric top-fill problem with flow over and obstacle. A recently developed continuum surface force model was implemented within a transient three-dimensional software simulation tool and applied to the low Weber number problem. The resulting simulations are compared with experiments that were conducted in order to validate current and future gravity-pour casting simulations. The simulations are found to capture much of the qualitative behavior of the complex three-dimensional flows.© 2002 ASME