Modeling of solidification of mmc composites during gravity casting process

The paper deals with computer simulation of gravity casting of the metal matrix composites reinforced with ceramics (MMC) into sand mold. The subject of our interest is aluminum matrix composite (AlMMC) reinforced with ceramic particles i.e. silicon carbide SiC and glass carbon Cg. The created model describes the process taking into account solidification and its influence on the distribution of reinforcement particles. The computer calculation has been carried out in 2D system with the use of Navier-Stokes equations using ANSYS FLUENT 13. The Volume of Fluid approach (VOF) and enthalpy method have been used to model the air-fluid free surface (and also volume fraction of particular continuous phases) and the solidifi cation of the cast, respectively.