Incorporating predicted local mechanical behaviour of cast components into finite element simulations

A software which enables the incorporation of local variations in both elastic and plastic mechanical behaviour predicted by a casting process simulation into a Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation is presented. The software uses a piecewise linearization of the Hollomon or the Ludwigson equation to characterize plastic mechanical behaviour of the material on an element level throughout a component. The accuracy obtained in the linearization is investigated, and the performance of the software is studied using different input parameters. The applicability of the software is verified and demonstrated on a ductile iron component, and a simulation strategy for cast components denoted a closed chain of simulations for cast components is discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.