Identification of temperature changes dynamics in selected castings as a contribution to performance life improvement

Parameters describing boundary conditions and dynamics of temperature changes during casting cooling in foundry moulds and the successive performance, especially as regards the massive cast elements, were discussed. Considering the specific nature of casting operation, non-standard methods of examination of the isotherms of temperature fields on the casting surface were described to determine local overheating resulting from the technological process, chemical composition, properties of the currently applied insulation materials, casting defects and/or design. Identification of these parameters can be interpolated to laboratory conditions and to the validation of virtual models subject to computer simulation. The use in simulation of genetic algorithms combined with the results of measurements under real conditions enables more precise determination of the performance parameters, including critical states of stresses present in a structure. This should allow further optimisation of the massive castings design, considering the specific nature of a manufacturing process (alloy composition included), combined with performance parameters. Measures described here are expected to contribute to the reduced casting weight and longer time of operation.