Cast Nozzle Convex Arc Flange Stress Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional casting nozzles experience frequent breakage due to thermal and thermo-mechanical stresses, leading to reduced casting time and surface quality issues, as well as contamination of molten metal with air, which limits the nozzle's lifespan and productivity.

Innovation Solution

A casting nozzle design featuring a tubular part with a rectangular plate having convex arc portions and a metal case with protrusions to distribute the upward thrust force, reducing stress concentrations and enhancing structural integrity, allowing for longer casting operations without frequent nozzle exchanges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional nozzle is used with a flange and tubular part connected together, then the nozzle can be exchanged during casting operation, but cracks and micro-cracks occur at the neck between flange and tubular part due to thermal stress and bending stress, reducing nozzle lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle exchange capabilityVSAvoidnozzle structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming convex arc portions on the lower surface of the flange instead of using flat surfaces. This curved geometry distributes the contact area with the inclined support surfaces, reducing stress concentration at the neck between flange and tubular part. The arc portions with specific radius R create a more favorable stress distribution pattern that prevents crack initiation under thermal and mechanical loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by providing convex arc portions only at specific locations on the flange lower surface where stress concentration occurs. These localized curved features are positioned at the convex portions of the lower surface to specifically address the neck area vulnerability, while the rest of the flange structure maintains its original geometry for functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the nozzle is supported by upward thrust from springs or lockers to enable exchange, then the nozzle can be maintained within the device, but bending stress concentrates at the neck between flange and tubular part inducing cracks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle support and exchangeVSAvoidresistance to bending stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The convex arc portions on the flange lower surface create a curved contact interface with the inclined support surfaces. This curvature transforms the stress distribution from concentrated bending moments to distributed compressive forces, significantly reducing the bending stress at the vulnerable neck region while maintaining the upward support function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a geometric dimensioning change by adding convex portions to the lower surface of the flange. This dimensional modification adds contact points or extended contact areas that distribute the upward thrust force across multiple locations, transforming a single-point or line contact into a distributed areal contact that reduces localized bending stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If refractory materials with superior crack resistance are used, then nozzle lifespan is extended, but the materials become sensitive to erosion or corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrack resistanceVSAvoiderosion and corrosion sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by modifying only the geometric shape of the flange lower surface with convex arc portions, rather than changing the material composition throughout. This geometric modification addresses crack resistance locally at the stress concentration zone without introducing material properties that would increase erosion or corrosion sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The curved geometry of convex arc portions creates a more favorable stress distribution that enhances crack resistance through geometric design rather than material selection, thereby avoiding the trade-off with erosion and corrosion sensitivity that would result from using different refractory materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Manufacturing precision

If frequent nozzle exchanges are performed to maintain surface quality, then casting continuity is preserved, but productivity is reduced due to casting stoppage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface qualityVSAvoidcasting continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by designing the flange geometry with convex arc portions that proactively prevent crack formation and nozzle breakage before they occur. This preventive design extends nozzle lifespan and reduces the frequency of required nozzle exchanges, thereby maintaining casting continuity and improving productivity while preserving surface quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The curved convex arc portions create a geometric configuration that inherently resists crack initiation and propagation, allowing the nozzle to withstand thermal and mechanical stresses for extended periods. This reduces the need for frequent nozzle exchanges and maintains casting continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2407262B1Cast nozzle
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 AKECHI CERAMICS
  • EP2407262B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2407262B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2407262B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A casting nozzle (1) to be used in a nozzle exchange (insert and/or removal) device of nozzle in continuous casting which comprises the nozzle which constitutes a tubular part (21) provided with a channel (20), a rectangular flange or plate (22) having the channel for casting, wherein the plate has an upper surface and a rear surface having two arcs (27), which are provided with a radius R arranged on the both sides of the plate in the perpendicular direction of a nozzle insertion (hereafter called X direction) and a supporting faces on both sides of the nozzle in the direction of a nozzle insertion (hereafter called Y direction),and a metal case (23) for reinforcing and covering the flange or plate (22) and the upper part of the tubular part.