CASTING IMPROVEMENT BASED ON METAHEURISTIC OPTIMIZATION AND NUMERICAL SIMULATION

This paper presents the use of metaheuristic optimization techniques to support the improvement of casting process. Genetic algorithm (GA), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Simulated annealing (SA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) have been considered as optimization tools to define the geometry of the casting part’s feeder. The proposed methodology has been demonstrated in the design of the feeder for casting Pelton turbine bucket. The results of the optimization are dimensional characteristics of the feeder, and the best result from all the implemented optimization processes has been adopted. Numerical simulation has been used to verify the validity of the presented design methodology and the feeding system optimization in the casting system of the Pelton turbine bucket.

Investigation of Functionally Graded Aluminium A356 Alloy and A356-10%SiCp Composite for Hydro Turbine Bucket Application

The study investigates the application of centrifugal casting process in the production of a complex shape component, Pelton turbine bucket. The bucket materials examined were functionally graded aluminium A356 alloy and A356-10%SiCp composite. A permanent mould for the casting of the bucket was designed with a Solidworks software and fabricated by the combination of CNC machining and welding. Oil hardening non-shrinking die steel (OHNS) was chosen for the mould material. The OHNS was heat treated and a hardness of 432 BHN was obtained. The mould was put into use, the buckets of A356 Alloy and A356-10%SiCp composite were cast, cut and machined into specimens. Some of the specimens were given T6 heat treatment and the specimens were prepared according to the designed investigations. The micrographs of A356-10%SiCp composite shows more concentration of SiCp particles at the inner periphery of the bucket. The maximum hardness of As-Cast A356 and A356-10%SiCp composite were 60 BRN and 95BRN respectively, recorded at the inner periphery of the bucket. And these values appreciated to 98BRN and 122BRN for A356 alloy and A356-10%SiCp composite respectively after heat treatment. The prediction curves of the ultimate tensile stress and yield tensile stress show the same trend as the hardness curves.