Identification and verification of convective heat transfer coefficient in the investment casting process by an integrated inverse method

Accurately determining the convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC) in casting is complex due to various influencing factors. This study developed an inverse CHTC calculation model for investment casting, incorporating nonlinear characteristics and using an integrated approach with ABAQUS, Python, and MATLAB. A temperature measurement experiment was conducted to investigate the time-varying CHTC between the inner and outer surfaces of a preheated mould shell and the surrounding environment. The model's accuracy was assessed by comparing simulated temperature fields using time-varying versus constant CHTC. Results revealed that CHTC varied over time and space, with transitions from forced to stable natural convection on the outer surface and continuous natural convection on the inner surface. The inverse calculation method significantly improved the accuracy of the simulation model during the air-cooling process of the preheated mould shell.