Virtually-guided certification with uncertainty quantification applied to die casting

Die casting is a type of metal casting in which liquid metal is solidified in a reusable die. In such a complex process, measuring and controlling the process parameters is difficult. Conventional deterministic simulations are insufficient to completely estimate the effect of stochastic variation in the process parameters on product quality. In this research, a framework to simulate the effect of stochastic variation together with verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification is proposed. This framework includes high-speed numerical simulations of solidification, micro-structure and mechanical properties prediction models along with experimental inputs for calibration and validation. Both experimental data and stochastic variation in process parameters with numerical modeling are employed thus enhancing the utility of traditional numerical simulations used in die casting to have a better prediction of product quality. Although the framework is being developed and applied to die casting, it can be generalized to any manufacturing process or other engineering problems as well.