Solidification modelling with a control volume method on domains subjected to viscoplastic deformation

The rise in importance of semi-solid based products has created a need for accurate modelling approaches to coupled solidification and deformation. Current approaches to solidification modelling, using the finite element method (FEM), are principally founded on capacitance methods. Unfortunately they suffer from a major drawback in that energy is not correctly transported through elements, so providing a source of inaccuracy. This paper is concerned with the development and application of a control volume capacitance method (CVCM) to problems where viscoplastic deformation and solidification are combined. The approach adopted is founded on the theory that describes energy transfer through a control volume (CV) moving relative to the deforming mass. This essentially arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method facilitates the accurate treatment of discontinuities. The CV approach is tested against known analytical solutions and is shown to be accurate, stable and computationally competitive.