Code-to-code verification of an axisymmetric model of the Bridgman solidification process for alloys.

Numerical models of manufacturing processes are useful and provide insight for thepractitioner, however, model verification and validation are a prerequisite for expedientapplication. This paper details the code-to-code verification of a thermal numerical model forthe Bridgman solidification process of alloys in a 2-dimensional axisymmetric domain,against an established commercial code (ANSYS Fluent); the work is considered aconfidence building step in model development. A grid sensitivity analysis is carried out toestablish grid independence, this is followed by simulations of two transient solidificationscenarios: pulling rate step change and ramp input; the results of which are compared anddiscussed. Good conformity of results is achieved, hence the non-commercial model is codeto-code verified; in addition, the ability of the non-commercial model to deal with radial heatflow is demonstrated. The introduction of front tracking to model the macroscopic growth ofdendritic mush and the region of undercooled liquid is identified as the next step in modeldevelopment.