Un système est souvent caractérisé par plusieurs modes de fonctionnement, chacun pouvant alors être décrit par un modèle qui lui est propre. Dans le cas où la commutation entre les modes de fonctionnement résulte d'un processus inconnu (un défaut, un changement de condition,...), il est difficile de manipuler ces systèmes et d'appliquer les commandes appropriées. Cette thèse traite du problème de la détection du changement de mode d'un système. A partir d'un système partiellement supervisé (connaissance du nombre de mode de fonctionnement du système ainsi que de la structure du modèle représentant chaque mode), une méthode est développée pour détecter le mode de fonctionnement actif du système à chaque instant. Pour cela, l'analyse du gradient des résidus obtenu par la multiplication des modèles locaux entre-eux, permet de caractériser le mode de fonctionnement. Une application de cette méthode est réalisée sur des données simulées et réelles de coulée continue de l'acier, afin de détecter un phénomène particulier : le collage. Finalement, une méthode par rejet de mode est mise en place sur des données réelles thermiques dans le même but (la détection des collages en lingotière de coulée continue) / Most of time a system is characterized by few operating modes, each of them could be describe by a model. In the case of the commutation between each operating mode is due to unknown process (fault, changing in condition,) it could be difficult to operate with this system and used the appropriate commands. With a partially supervised system (knowing of number of operating mode and model structure that represent each mode), a method is developed to detect the active operating mode at each time. Indeed, the analyses of the residual gradient, that obtain by product each local model together, permit to characterize the operating mode. Application of this method is presented with simulated data and industrial data of continuous casting to detect a particular phenomenon: the sticker. Finally, a rejection mode method is used on industrial thermal data in the same aim (detection of stickers in continuous casting)

A fundição centrífuga é um importante processo de produção de tubos de ligas metálicas e de cilindros de laminação. A transferência de calor no metal durante a fundição centrífuga de tubos foi modelada matematicamente e o coeficiente de transferência de calor na interface metal-molde determinado em função do tempo utilizando a técnica da solução inversa. A solução inversa foi obtida a partir das curvas de resfriamento experimentais disponíveis na literatura para a fundição centrífuga de um tubo de ferro-fundido. O resultado da solução inversa mostrou, pela primeira vez, que o comportamento do coeficiente de transferência de calor na interface metal-molde durante a fundição centrífuga é semelhante ao da fundição estática: tem-se um valor elevado logo após o vazamento, apresentando um decréscimo exponencial com o tempo. Um modelo matemático da transferência de calor na interface metal-molde foi desenvolvido com base nos mecanismos fundamentais de transferência de calor, como a transferência por condução e radiação através do vão formado nesta interface. Para a previsão deste vão, foram considerados os efeitos da contração térmica e da deformação plástica da casca metálica solidificada. A utilização deste modelo matemático para a transferência de calor na interface metal-molde permitiu o cálculo de curvas de resfriamento em excelente aderência às curvas experimentais reportadas na literatura. / Centrifugal casting is an important process to produce metallic pipes in general and cylinders for steel rolling mills. A mathematical model was proposed for the heat transfer during solidification of centrifugally cast pipes. The heat transfer coefficient at the metal-mold interface was determined as a function of time by the inverse solution technique. The inverse solution was obtained using experimental cooling curves available in the literature for a centrifugally cast-iron pipe. The inverse solution showed, for the first time, that the behavior with time of the heat transfer coefficient at the metal-mold interface is analogous to that observed in traditional static casting processes: an initial relatively large value decreases exponentially with time. A mathematical model for the heat transfer at the metal-mold interface based on fundamental heat transfer principles was proposed. In this model, the heat conduction and radiation in the gap formed at the metal-mold interface, as well as the thermal and plastic deformation of the solid shell, were taken into account. This model, applied to predict the solidification of a cast-iron tube in the centrifugal casting process, enabled the calculation of cooling curves that are in excellent agreement with experimentally measured curves.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo explorar o uso de técnicas de controle avançado na indústria metalúrgica. O nível de aço é uma das variáveis mais críticas para a produção de chapas ou tiras de alta qualidade no processo de lingotamento contínuo de tiras baseados em rolos duplos. Para melhorar a qualidade da espessura das tiras utiliza-se em tanque intermediário submerso na piscina formada entre os rolos duplos. São propostas três técnicas e controle de \"fuzzy\" via modelos Mamdani e Takagi-Sugeno. O modelo Mamdani é desenvolvido com base no conhecimento experimental do processo. O modelo Takagi-Sugeno utiliza uma abordagem mais sistêmica para a resolução do problema, utilizando modelos locais (linearizados) da planta não-linear que descreve o nível e escoamento do aço no tanque intermediário. Os componentes do sistema de controle empregados são discutidos e especificados. São apresentados resultados de simulação utilizando os parâmetros reais de uma planta de lingotamento contínuo instalada no IPT São Paulo. As simulações realizadas mostram que as técnicas de controle sugeridas atendem as restrições da planta e são viáveis de implementação. / This work explores the use of advanced control techniques in the metallurgical industry. The molten steel level is one of the most critical to the production of high quality steel strips in strip casting process. The strip thickness uniformity can be improved using an intermediary tundish submerse into the pool formed between the two rotating rolls. Three control techniques are considered to control the intermediary tundish molten steel level: PID, feedback linearization and fuzzy logic via Mamdani and Takagi-Sugeno models. The Mamdani model is developed with base in the experimental knowledge of the process. The Takagi-Sugeno model uses a more systematic approach for the solution of the control problem using local models for the non-linear plant that describes the level and flow of the steel in the intermediary tundish. The components of the level control system are discussed and specified. Simulation results are presented considering the real system parameters of a strip casting plant installed at IPT São Paulo. The simulation results obtained show that the control techniques suggested satisfies the constraints on the plant and can be considered for implementation.

Orientador: Fernando Eidi Takahashi / Banca: Fernando Eidi Takahashi / Banca: Hideki Yoshida / Banca: Lafayette Nogueira Junior / Resumo: Este trabalho avaliou a influência de três diferentes métodos de fundição (maçarico e centrífuga elétrica - G1, indução eletromagnética - G2 e plasma - G3), sobre a interface de uma liga metálica de Pd-Ag-Sn e uma cerâmica odontológica de cobertura. Foram encerados para cada método de fundição 30 padrões em cera. Os padrões em cera foram incluídos e fundidos de acordo com as especificações de cada fabricante de equipamentos de fundição. Após o processo de sinterização da cerâmica, os corpos de prova (CP) foram divididos em dois subgrupos. Um subgrupo foi submetido diretamente ao ensaio mecânico de cisalhamento, e o outro recebeu ciclagem térmica e mecânica, seguido do ensaio mecânico de cisalhamento. Então, para cada método de fundição (n=24), metade dos CP receberam ciclagem térmica e mecânica (n=12), e a outra metade os CP não foram ciclados. Após o cisalhamento, os CP foram examinados em estereomicroscópio, para verificação do padrão de fratura. Os valores coletados durante o ensaio de cisalhamento receberam análise estatística, (ANOVA e teste de Tukey), com nível de significância de 5%. Os resultados mostraram os seguintes valores (média l desvio padrão), para os subgrupos sem ciclagem: 108,35 l 22,97 MPa para o maçarico; 103,64 l 28,28 MPa para a indução; 93,79 l 11,07 MPa para o plasma; para o sub grupo com ciclagens: 97,96 l 18,30 MPa para o maçarico; 62,34 l 11,26 MPa para a indução; e 58,10 l 10,66 MPa para o plasma. Conclui-se que os grupos Plasma com ciclagem e Indução com ciclagem apresentam médias dos resultados semelhantes e menores que os demais / Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the three differents methods of melting (gas oxygen torch and eletrical centrifuge G1, Induction electrical centrifuge G2 e automated casting machine with gas argon - G3), between the interface of the Pd-Ag-Sn alloy, and a dental ceramic. Thirty standardized specimens were waxed for each method of melting. The specimens were included and melted in agreement with each manufacturer's melting equipments specifications. Following a feldspatic ceramic was applied over the metal copping, according to the manufacturers' instructions The specimens were divided in two subgroups. One subgroup was directly submitted to the shear bond strength test; and the other subgroup was thermo-cycled, mechanic-cycled, followed by the shear bond strength test. The fractured specimens were evaluated under a stereoscopic loup (20 X magnification), and the type of fracture recorded. The data collected during the shear bond strength test were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test statistical analysis with 5% level of significantly. The results showed the following values (mean l S.D.), for the sub groups without cycling: 108,35 l 22,97 MPa by gas oxygen torch and eletrical centrifuge, 103,64 l 28,28 MPa by Induction electrical centrifuge, 93,79 l 11,07 MPa by automated casting machine with gas argon and for the sub group with cycling 97,96 l 18,30 MPa by gas oxygen torch and electrical centrifuge, 62,34 l 11,26 MPa by Induction electrical centrifuge, and 58,10 l 10,66 MPa by automated casting machine with gas argon. Considering this study we can conclude that the automated casting machine with gas argon with cycling and Induction electrical centrifuge with cycling presents similar averages and lower than the others groups / Mestre

"This research investigated the relationship between T5 heat treatment and elongation in thixocast and rheocast SSM components as a means to reduce the energy, time, and cost associated with T6 treatments while still producing improved properties over the as-cast condition. Temperature and time were varied as a part of work to optimize aging conditions for SSM materials. Both conventional furnace and fluidized bed heat treatments were employed. Tensile bars were fabricated from the heat treated A356 components and were pulled. Extensive SEM and stereo microscopy were performed to examine the factors which produced favorable results in the T5 condition. Data generated for T6 and as-cast components were also collected for purposes of comparison. Quality index calculations were employed to help evaluate the results. Optimized procedures and aging parameters have been presented"

Additive manufacturing has a great potential to benefit die manufacture by shortening the lead time considerably and lifting the limitations on design complexity imposed by conventional manufacturing techniques. However, AM has its own requirements that together are known as Design for Additive Manufacturing and account for the process limitations. One of the significant requirements is mass efficiency of the design (it should be as light as possible). If it’s not fulfilled, AM won’t be able to make an economical solution or substitution despite having outstanding benefits. The present investigation has been framed with respect to such concern. This investigation attempts to draw a comparison between the performance of two design variants. Additionally, it has been tried to study the employed method, document implementation of the approach, and identify the challenges in accordance with design for additive manufacturing. Simulation of thermal stresses generated in die inserts for a given component during one cycle of high pressure die casting is presented. Initial design of the die inserts is subjected to redesign with the intention of mass reduction by incorporating honeycomb structure. Temperature evolution and resultant thermal stresses are analyzed for redesign and compared to those of original design. Simulation of high pressure die casting was carried out in MagmaSoft to obtain temperature history of die inserts and cast. Implicit nonlinear elastic fully coupled thermal displacement model was setup in Abaqus in which Magma results were used as input for stress calculation. Results show that according to our specific design, HPDC die with thin walled feature cannot withstand the thermal and mechanical load. However, with iterative analysis and proper topology optimization, a lightweight complex geometry die can be successfully made.

As ligas de alumínio hipereutéticas fundidas por centrifugação apresentam a possibilidade de obtenção de um gradiente funcional de propriedades no material (Functionally Graded Material - FGM). Na fundição por centrifugação, os compostos menos densos tenderão a se concentrar no diâmetro interno de um tubo centrifugado. Como a massa específica do silício e do Mg2Si são menores do que a do alumínio, as partículas dessas fases tendem a concentrar-se na parede interna de tubos centrifugados. Em função disto, este estudo tem como objetivo dar uma contribuição ao entendimento dos mecanismos de migração das partículas de silício e de Mg2Si numa liga de alumínio hipereutética com 19% de silício e com adições de cobre e magnésio fundidas por centrifugação. Diante disto, foram obtidos tubos da liga Al-19%Si com adições de até 5% de cobre e 5% de magnésio por meio da fundição centrífuga numa rotação de 1700 rpm. A caracterização microestrutural em diversas regiões dos tubos centrifugados foi feita utilizando-se a microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura com sistema de análise de imagens. A fração das fases presentes e a dureza Vickers foram determinadas ao longo da parede do tubo em diversas posições de vazamento. A fundição centrífuga promove a segregação de partículas de silício primário e de Mg2Si, com massas específicas menores para a parede interna do tubo. Esta segregação é mais acentuada na região final de vazamento devido ao maior tempo de centrifugação até a solidificação. Uma retenção de partículas junto à parede externa do tubo ocorre em decorrência da mais elevada taxa de resfriamento da liga fundida em contato com a parede do molde mais frio. Esta retenção também foi maior na região do tubo de início de vazamento em relação à de final de vazamento. A adição de cobre intensificou a migração das partículas devido ao aumento da densidade do líquido. O aumento do teor de cobre na liga também inibiu a presença de dendritas de alumínio primário que ocorrem em grandes quantidades nas regiões centrais das paredes dos tubos centrifugados. O perfil de dureza ao longo da parede do tubo indicou um aumento de dureza relacionado diretamente à quantidade de partículas de silício (β) e Mg2Si. / A functionally gradient material, in terms of its properties, can be obtained with centrifugally cast hypereutectic aluminum alloys. In centrifugal casting, the less dense compounds tend to concentrate close to the inner wall of a centrifugally cast tube. Since the specific mass of silicon and Mg2Si are less than that of aluminum, particles of these phases tend to concentrate at the inner walls of centrifugally cast tubes. On the basis of this, the aim of this study was to contribute towards increased understanding of the mechanism of segregation of silicon and Mg2Si particles in a centrifugally cast hypereutectic aluminum - 19% silicon alloy to which copper and magnesium were added. Hence, tubes of Al-19%Si alloy with up to 5% copper and up to 5% magnesium were centrifugally cast at rotational speed of 1700 rpm. Microstructural examination of various regions of the centrifugally cast tubes was carried out using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope coupled to an image analyzer. The amount of phases that formed and the Vickers hardness were determined across the thickness of the tube at different positions. Centrifugal casting promotes segregation of primary silicon and Mg2Si particles, (with lower specific weights) towards the inner walls of the tube. This segregation was higher at regions that were last to be cast, and due to longer centrifugation until solidification. Retention of particles close to the outer wall of the tube took place due to higher cooling rate of the cast alloy in contact with the cold walls of the mold. This retention was also higher at regions of the tube that were cast first compared with those that were cast last. The addition of copper increased particle migration due to increase in density of the liquid. Increase in the amount of copper in the alloy also inhibited the presence of primary aluminum dendrites that form in large quantities at the central regions of centrifugally cast tube walls. The hardness profile along the tube wall indicated an increase in hardness and this is directly related to the quantity of (β) silicon and Mg2Si particles.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi de otimizar o processo de fabricação da placa reforçadora de solo, fabricada pelo processo de injeção sob baixa pressão em liga de alumínio. Atualmente, a liga utilizada no processo é a SAE 305 (AA 413) e problemas de falha do componente em campo tem sido reportados pelos clientes. As peças estudadas referem-se às placas acessórias utilizadas para fornecer sustentação durante a entrada e saída de vaus por carros de combate do Exército Brasileiro, anteriormente adquiridas no mercado internacional e agora produzidas internamente. O estudo focou na alteração da composição química da liga, baseado na liga de alumínio da peça importada, tratamento de banho com modificação do silício, refino de grão e modificação no projeto do molde permanente. Adquiriu-se junto ao fornecedor a liga de Al9Si0,3Mg visando a fabricação das peças com tratamento térmico T6. Para obtenção das propriedades mecânicas foram realizados ensaios de tração, dureza Brinell e impacto. Para caracterização metalúrgica foram realizados ensaios metalográficos com auxílio de microscopia óptica. Verificou-se que a presença de magnésio na liga Al-Si exclusivamente com tratamento térmico T6, alterou o comportamento mecânico da peça melhorando seus resultados. O tratamento de banho com modificador de silício a base de sódio não produziu resultados significativos. Finalmente, realizou-se simulação do preenchimento da molde via software CAE Click2Cast, modo injeção de baixa pressão, para caracterização dos defeitos e sugestões de melhoria no sistema de alimentação. Deste trabalho, conclui-se que as melhores propriedades mecânicas de resistência a tração e dureza foram obtidas com a alteração da liga SAE 305 para a liga Al9Si0,3Mg com tratamento térmico T6 e que para atingir melhores resultados deve-se introduzir ao processo um novo molde permanente com refrigeração e alimentação adequada da peça. / The objective of this research was to optimize the manufacturing process of the reinforcing plate of soil, manufactured by the injection process under low pressure in Al-Si alloy. Currently, the alloy used in the process is SAE 305 (AA 413) and mechanical resistance problems, when used in the field, have been reported by customers. Currently, the alloy used in the process is SAE 305 (AA 413) and field component failure problems have been reported by customers. The studied pieces refer to the accessory plates used to provide support during the entry and exit of vats by tanks of the Brazilian Army, previously acquired in the international market and now produced internally. The study focused on the alteration of the chemical composition of the alloy, based on the aluminum alloy of the imported part, bath treatment with silicon modification, grain refining and modification in the permanent mold design. The Al9Si0.3Mg alloy was purchased from the supplier to manufacture the T6 heat treated parts. To obtain the mechanical properties tensile tests, Brinell hardness and impact were performed. For metallurgical characterization, metallographic tests were performed with the aid of light microscopy. It was verified that the presence of magnesium in the Al-Si alloy exclusively with T6 heat treatment, altered the mechanical behavior of the part improving its results. Bath treatment with sodium silicon modifier did not produce significant results. Finally, the mold filling simulation was carried out using CAE Click2Cast software, low pressure injection mode, to characterize the defects and suggestions for improvement in the feed system. From this work, it was concluded that the best mechanical properties of tensile strength and hardness were obtained with the change of the SAE 305 alloy to the Al9Si0.3Mg alloy with T6 thermal treatment and that to achieve better results a new permanent mold with cooling and proper feeding of the part.

This work deals with the issue of defects generation during the separation of the castings from a nickel-based superalloy, Inconel 738LC. The technology of investment casting is presented, followed by a description of metallurgy of superalloys, their physical and mechanical properties, as well as their technical applications. The machinability of superalloys and method of castings separation were also described as well as some of the casting defects that were reported to have impact on the generation of the defects after cutting. In the experimental part, the material microstructure and casting defects were analyzed. The experimental machining part consisted first of a comparative study of the friction sawing and plasma arc cutting technology at the standard operating conditions actually used in production. Second, an optimization study for the friction sawing was carried out, with a special focus on the suitability of an alternative cutoff wheel for the chosen application. Application of this wheel allows reducing the security distance between the cut and the part, thus reducing the production cost of the part.

In recent years there has been a growing demand to produce lightweight high pressure die cast (HPDC) parts for structural applications to decrease vehicle mass and to reduce manufacturing costs. Due to the coupled rapid heat flow and complex flow/deformation that occur in the process, the formation of microstructure and defects in HPDC are still not fully understood. Developing a better understanding of microstructure formation is essential to enable advances in die design and process optimisation, as well as alloy development, to improve the quality and productivity of HPDC components. Therefore, this thesis aims to enhance this understanding by conducting detailed microstructural analysis of samples produced in controlled HPDC experiments. In the first series of experiments, various microstructure characterisation techniques were used to study salient HPDC microstructural features. The microstructures of castings were characterised at different length scales, from the scale of the casting to the scale of the eutectic interlamellar spacing. The results show that the salient as-cast microstructural features, e.g. externally solidified crystals (ESCs), defect bands, surface layer, grain size distribution, porosity and hot tears were similar for both two HPDC-specific Al alloys used, AlSi4MgMn and AlMg5Si2Mn. The formation of these features has been explained by considering the influence of flow and solidification during each stage of the HPDC process. The formation of defect bands is further studied by investigating the ratio between band thickness ( ) and average grain size in the band ( ). Suitable methods for measuring w and dsb in HPDC have been developed. The w/dsb relationship of defect bands has been investigated in HPDC specimens from a range of alloys, casting geometries and band locations within castings. The bands were measured to be 7-18 mean grains wide. This is substantial evidence that defect bands form due to strain localisation in partially solidified alloys during cold-chamber and hot-chamber HPDC. At the end of solidification, dilatant shear bands contain a higher eutectic volume fraction and/or porosity content than adjacent material. In the cross-section of the AM50 Mg alloy, the centrally-located band contains a much higher volume fraction of concentrated porosity than the second-outermost band and insignificant porosity was found in the outermost band. The level of porosity in bands was attributed to the relative difficulty of feeding shrinkage for each band location. As the feeding of material during the intensification stage is important for the reduction of porosity, the influence of intensification pressure (IP) and gate thickness on the transport of material through the gate during the latter stages of HPDC were investigated. Microstructural characterisation of the gate region indicated a marked change in feeding mechanism with increasing IP and gate size. Castings produced with a high IP and/or thick gate contained a relatively low fraction of total porosity and shear band-like features existed through the gate, suggesting that semi-solid strain localisation in the gate is involved in feeding during the pressure intensification stage. When a low IP is combined with a thin gate, no shear band was observed in the gate and feeding was less effective, resulting in a higher level of porosity in the HPDC component. As equiaxed primary crystals are subjected to intense shear during HPDC, their agglomeration and bending behaviour were investigated in the last series of experiment. Samples produced by near-static cooling, HPDC and Thixomoulding®, where the solidifying crystals experience different levels of mechanical stresses, were characterised. The electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique was used to acquire grain misorientation data which is linked to the crystal agglomeration and bending behaviour during solidification. The number fraction of low-energy grain boundaries in HPDC and Thixomoulded samples was substantially higher than in ‘statically cooled’ samples. This is attributed to the much higher shear stresses and pressure applied on the solidifying alloy in HPDC and Thixomoulding, which promote crystal collisions and agglomeration. In-grain misorientations were found to be significant only in branched dendritic crystals which were subjected to significant shear stresses. This is related to the increased bending moment acting on long protruding dendrite arms compared to more compact crystal morphologies.