Abstract
Hydraulic units are important components of agricultural and construction machinery, and thus require high-quality castings. However, gas defects occurring inside the sand cores of the castings due to the resin used is a problem. This study therefore aimed to develop a casting simulation method that can clarify the gas defect positions. Gas defects are thought to be caused by gas generated after the molten metal fills up the mold cavity. The gas constant is the most effective factor for simulating this gas generated from sand cores. It is calculated by gas generating temperature and analysis of composition in the inert gas atmosphere modified according to the mold filling conditions of molten metal. It is assumed that gases generated from the inside of castings remain if the following formula is established. [Time of occurrence of gas generation] + [Time of occurrence of gas floating] > [Time of occurrence of casting surface solidification] The possibility of gas defects is evaluated by the time of occurrence of gas generation and gas floating calculated using the gas constant. The residual position of generated gases is decided by the closed loops indicating the final solidification location in the casting simulation. The above procedure enables us to suggest suitable casting designs with zero gas defects, without the need to repeat casting tests.