Numerical simulation and casting process optimization of cast steel node

Cast steel nodes are widely used as important components of offshore platform, owing to their better performance than welded nodes. In this paper, the mold filling and solidification process of cast steel nodes were numerically simulated and verified by the finite element analysis commercial software package-ProCAST, and the occurrence of shrinkage porosity was quantitatively predicted based on the simulation results. The numerical simulation results of the preliminary design showed that the overall filling was stable with bottom gated system, agreeing well with the design requirements. However, the shrinkage porosities in the intersection of lower tubes and main tube were evident due to the insufficient feeding. Optimization of the casting design was carried out through repeated computer simulation. By incorporating chills in the cores, the optimized design showed that the shrinkage porosities in the intersection of lower tubes and main tube were effectively eliminated. In view of these aforementioned optimizations, the casting steel can meet the technical requirements in an actual production.