Modeling of Semisolid Flow

Abstract

Numerical simulation of semisolid processing can be carried out using one- or two-phase modeling. Various models based from either fluid or solid mechanics formalisms were developed. The most sophisticated one-phase models account for shear thinning, thixotropy, and solidification/melting phenomena. They are of great interest to investigate the flow front and optimize die geometry, temperature of die, and billet. Liquid-solid segregation prediction requires two-phase modeling. Basic equations and constitutive models currently used for numerical simulation of semisolid processing are presented and discussed.