The main subject of this study is to develop the finite element and user interface program for analyzing the casting process. To analyze the complicated solidification phenomena, a heat transfer model in casting system was established by using the finite element method with the numerical formulation of the boundary condition. For the development of the user interface program, X Window System and X library programming technique were introduced. The user interface program takes inputs from the mouse and keyboard and displays the outputs according to user's interaction. Therefore, the user can simply prepare the data which are necessary for the finite element process and easily understand the results of the finite element analysis. Using the data prepared from the user interface program, the casting process was analyzed and temperature distribution was determined by the finite element method. These results can be used to predict the position of the latest solidifying region, i.e., the region having possibility of the presence of porosity or cavity and also may be useful data for mold design.
It is considered that the approach of combining the finite element method(F.E.M) and graphical user interface(GUI) program will be very effective for analyzing the casting process, especially in the practical manufacturing site.
