On the Feasibility of Determining the Heat Transfer Coefficient in Casting Simulations by Genetic Algorithms

A genetic algorithm (GA) to determine the correct value of the Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) between mould and casting is suggested. The GA stochastically feeds different HTC values on a casting simulation program, until an acceptably low difference between the real and simulation of temperature evolution curves is reached. A numerical casting experiment was conducted assuming specific HTC to obtain the temperature versus time curve for particular points. The GA did succeed in finding the HTC values originally employed in all cases examined and the influence of its parameters on accuracy and speed was explored.