Numerical analysis of solidification of complex shaped bodies: coupling of mesh elements of different geometries

In the present work a three dimensional mathematical model has been developed permitting the integral analysis of solidification of complex shaped castings. The model enables a flexible connection among different kinds of geometrical elements from the numerical mesh permitting the full geometry of the physical body to be analyzed. Model predictions were compared with experimental results obtained in industrial plants for the cases of gray cast iron and stainless steel shaped castings and with laboratory results concerning the solidification of a 7075 aluminum alloy. In all cases a quite good agreement has been observed.