Janusz Lelito

Measurement of the Kinetics of Thermal Effects during Phase Transformations in ADI

The heat generation rate during austempering of ADI (Austempered Ductile Iron) for process temperatures of 250, 265, 280 and 293°C has been presented. A special measuring device was constructed. Thermal effects were quantified by analysis of the experimental temperature curves during the austempering process.

Effect of Different Molding Materials on the Thin-Walled Compacted Graphite Iron Castings

This article addresses the effects of six mold materials used for obtaining thin-walled compacted graphite iron castings with a wall thickness of 3 mm. During this research, the following materials were analyzed: fine silica sand, coarse silica sand, cerabeads, molohite and also insulated materials in the shape of microspheres, including low-density alumina/silica ceramic sand. Granulometric and SEM observations indicate that the sand matrix used in these studies differs in terms of size, homogeneity and shape. This study shows that molds made with insulating sands (microspheres) possess both: thermal conductivity and material mold ability to absorb heat, on average to be more than five times lower compared to those of silica sand. In addition to that, the resultant peak of heat transfer coefficient at the mold/metal interface for microspheres is more than four times lower in comparison with fine silica sand. This is accompanied by a significant decrease in the cooling rate of metal in the mold cavity which promotes the development of compacted graphite in thin-walled castings as well as ferrite fractions in their microstructure.

Thermophysical Properties of Thin Walled Compacted Graphite Iron Castings

The thermal conductivity, diffusivity and specific heat were investigated in thin walled compacted graphite iron castings. The research was conducted for thin-walled iron castings with a 3-mm wall thickness. This study addresses the effect of cooling rate and of titanium additions on the exhibited microstructure and thermophysical parameters of thin-walled compacted graphite iron (TWCI) castings as determined by changing the molding media (silica sand and insulating sand LDASC), and Ferro Titanium. The tested material represents the occurrence of graphite in the shape of nodules, flakes (C and D types) and compacted graphite with a different shape factor and percent nodularity. Thermophysical parameters have been evaluated by the laser flash technique in a temperature range of 22–600°C. The results show that the cooling rates together with the titanium content largely influence the microstructure, graphite morphology and finally thermophysical properties of thin walled castings.