TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to field of metallurgy. More particularly the present disclosure relates to material testing. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a test apparatus for determining shrinkage of a material or a solidifying metal.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, in metallurgical industries metals such as steel, iron etc., are continuously casted to obtain a required form. The continuous casting process involves heating the metal to high temperature in order to obtain a molten metal. The molten metal is then cooled in molds such that upon solidification the molten metal attains the required shape and dimensions. Further, to effectively cast the metals, parameters such as air gap formation, mold taper, design of mold flux play an important role as without correct knowledge about the parameters, the casted metal may not attain the required form, shape and dimensions which is undesired.
Further, the molten metal upon cooling undergoes shrinkage which has to be considered during continuous casting of the metal. Additionally, faster cooling of the molten metal leads to higher heat transfer and thus causes faster contraction of the solidifying shell which results in thermal stress and therefore leads to surface defects which is undesired. Therefore, without the knowledge of shrinkage of the metal being continuously casted, defects and the air gap formation associated with a predefined cooling rate cannot be determined. Further, the shrinkage of the metal being continuously casted plays a key role in determining the mold taper and the design of the mold flux which are essential in the continuous casting process.
Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by an apparatus and a method as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus and the method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a test apparatus for determining shrinkage of a material is disclosed. The test apparatus includes a mold which is defined with a cavity that is configured to receive molten material. Further, the test apparatus includes at least one channel provisioned within the mold to channelize a coolant through the mold and cool the molten material in the cavity. Additionally, the test apparatus includes a graphite block which is connectable to a first sensor and is movably disposed within the cavity. The first sensor is configured to detect displacement of the graphite block corresponding to shrinkage of the molten material upon casting.
In an embodiment, the graphite block at its one end is defined with an arcuate profile to receive the molten material.
In an embodiment, the test apparatus includes a connecting rod which is connectable to the graphite block at one end and the first sensor at an other end. The displacement of the graphite block within the cavity actuates the connecting rod to activate the first sensor.
In an embodiment, the test apparatus includes a plurality of second sensors which are provisioned in the mold. The plurality of second sensors are configured to record temperature of the mold and the material.
In an embodiment, the first sensor that is connected to the graphite block is a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT).
In an embodiment, the test apparatus includes a chiller unit that is configured to regulate temperature of the coolant which is channelized through the at least one channel.
In an embodiment, the mold is manufactured of a material of high thermal conductivity.
In an embodiment, the material subjected to testing is at least one of metal and metal alloy.
In an embodiment, the test apparatus includes a computing unit which is connected to the first sensor. The computing unit is configured to measure the shrinkage corresponding to signals from the first sensor.

In an another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining shrinkage of a material in a test apparatus is disclosed. The method includes introducing a molten material into a cavity that is defined in a mold of the test apparatus. Further, the coolant is channelized in at least one channel defined in the mold to cool the molten material. Upon cooling or casting of the molten material a first sensor is actuated based on displacement of a graphite block corresponding to shrinkage of the molten material. Furthermore, shrinkage of the material is determined in a computing unit based on actuation of the first sensor.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a top view of the test apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the test apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method for determining shrinkage of a material in the test apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the

device illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other apparatus, devices, systems, assemblies, methods and processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1-2.
Figs. 1 illustrates a top view of a test apparatus (100) for determining shrinkage of a material. The test apparatus (100) may include a mold (1) which may be defined with a cavity (2). The mold (1) may be manufactured by a material having high thermal conductivity, for example, the mold (1)

may be made of copper or other materials that have high thermal conductivity, hence the inclusion of copper alone should not be considered as limitation. The cavity (2) may be configured to receive a material for testing shrinkage of the material. The material may be including but not limited to metals and metal alloys. In an illustrative embodiment, the cavity (2) may be defined with a T-shaped profile and may be adapted to receive the material in molten form [hereafter referred to as molten material], however, this should not be considered as limitation and is for illustration only and the cavity (2) may be defined with any other profile as per requirement. Additionally, the surface of the cavity (2) may be coated with an anti-adhesion layer which may be made of a material which prevents adhesion between the surface of the cavity (2) and the metal or metal-alloy which are subjected to testing. In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity (2) may be coated with boron nitride or any other material which aids in preventing adhesion. Further, the test apparatus (100) may include at least one channel (9, 10) provisioned within the mold (1). The at least one channel (9, 10) may be configured to channelize a coolant through the mold (1) and regulate temperature of the mold (1) and in-turn cool the molten material accommodated in the mold (1). In an embodiment, the coolant may be including but not limited to water or any other organic and inorganic fluids which are capable of heat transfer. Furthermore, as seen in Fig. 2 the test apparatus (100) may include a chiller unit (34) which may be configured to regulate temperature of the coolant which may be channelized through the at least one channel (9, 10). In an embodiment, the chiller unit (34) may be configured to cool the coolant to a predefined temperature as per requirement to cool the mold (1) thereby cooling the molten material in the cavity (2) of the mold (1). Furthermore, the temperature and flow rate of the coolant within the at least one channel (9, 10) may be defined and varied by the chiller unit (34) based on the rate of cooling which may be required for cooling the molten material accommodated in the cavity (2) of the mold (1).
In an embodiment, the test apparatus (100) may include a rotameter (35) which may be fluidly connected between the at least one channel (9, 10) and the chiller unit (34). The rotameter (35) may be configured to measure volumetric flow rate of fluid in a closed tube. The rotameter (35) may be a variable-area flowmeter, which may measure the volumetric flow rate by allowing the cross-sectional area of the fluid to travel through to varying surfaces, causing a measurable effect,

thereby the rotameter (35) may be configured to measure the flow of coolant in the at least one channel (9, 10).
Further, referring back to Figs. 1 the test apparatus (100) may include a block (7) which may be movably disposed within the cavity (2). The block (7) may be made of graphite [hereafter referred to a graphite block] which exhibits properties such as low density and exhibits non-reactive characteristics such that the graphite block (7) may remain stable and non-reactive in high temperatures. For example, temperatures higher than melting temperature of metals and metal-alloys which are subjected to testing may not affect the graphite block (7). In an embodiment, the graphite block (7) at its one end may be defined with an arcuate profile which may be configured to receive the molten material. In an illustrative embodiment as seen in Fig. 1, the graphite block (7) may be defined with an oval cutout at one end to interlock the solidified material, however, this should not be considered as limitation and is for illustration only and the graphite block (7) may be defined with any other profile as per requirement. The molten material in the arcuate profile of the graphite block (7) may be configured to interlock the solidified material upon cooling within the cavity (2) of the mold (1). Further, shrinkage of the material which may occur upon solidification of the molten material may lead to displacement of the graphite block (7), due to the interlocking between the solidified material and the graphite block (7).
Additionally, the test apparatus (100) may include a first sensor (11) which may be connected to the graphite block (7), such that displacement of the graphite block (7) within the cavity (2) may activate the first sensor (11). The first sensor (11) may be configured to detect displacement of the graphite block (7) corresponding to shrinkage of the molten material upon cooling or completion of a casting process. In an embodiment, the first sensor (11) which may be connected to the graphite block (7) may be a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) or any other sensor capable of detecting displacement of the graphite block (7). In an embodiment, the test apparatus (100) may include a connecting rod (8) which may be connected to the graphite block (7) at one end and the first sensor (11) at an other end.
Referring to Fig. 2, the test apparatus (100) may include a computing unit (37) which may be connected to the first sensor (11). The computing unit (37) may be configured to measure shrinkage of the material subjected to testing corresponding to signals from the first sensor (11).

Additionally, the test apparatus (100) may include a plurality of second sensors (3, 4). The plurality of second sensors (3, 4) may be provisioned at predefined location in the mold (1) and may be configured to measure temperature of the mold (1) and the material accommodated within the cavity (2) which may be used to determine heat flux. In an embodiment, the plurality of second sensors (3, 4) may be including but not limited to thermocouples and any other device which may be capable of measuring temperature. Furthermore, the computing unit (37) may also be connected to the plurality of second sensors (3, 4) to determine the amount and rate of cooling and also determine heat transfer in the mold (1).
In an embodiment, the computing unit (37) may include a display unit which may be configured to display real time values of the first sensor (11) and the plurality of second sensor. Further, the computing unit (37) may include a memory unit which may be configured to store data which are measured in the test apparatus (100). Additionally, the computing unit (37) may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the computing unit (37) may include a receiving module which may be configured to receive the signals transmitted by the first sensor (11) and the plurality of second sensors (3, 4). Further, the computing unit (37) may include a processing module which may include at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user or system generated requests. The processing module may be a specialized processing module such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing modules, digital signal processing modules, etc. Additionally, the processing module (12) may be configured to receive data or signals from the receiving module. Furthermore, the computing unit (37) may include an activation module which may be configured to receive data or signals from the processing module and transmit the received signals to the display unit.
In an embodiment, the chiller unit (34) may be independently operated or may be connected to the computing unit (37) and may be operated through the computing unit (37).
In an operational embodiment, as seen in Fig 1, the molten material may be poured into the cavity (2) of the mold (1) which is defined with a T-shaped configuration. The molten material poured into the cavity (2) also interacts with the graphite block (7) positioned in the mold (1) and enters into the arcuate profile of the graphite block (7). The molten material accommodated within the

mold (1) is then cooled by channelizing coolant through the at least one channel (9, 10) which are positioned in the mold (1). The molten material upon solidification interlocks at the head portion of the T-shaped cavity (2) and in the arcuate profile of the graphite block (7). The interlocking of the solidified material results in displacement of the graphite block (7) corresponding to shrinkage in the material when solidified from the molten form. The displacement of the graphite block (7) may be measured by the first sensor (11) to determine the shrinkage and the difference in temperature and heat flux may be measured by the plurality of second sensors (3, 4) which may then be used to compare the shrinkage at different temperatures and cooling rates. The test apparatus (100) thus aids in providing pre knowledge of the shrinkage behaviors in metal and metal alloys, such that casting conditions like casting powder, percentage mold (1) taper, casting speed and the like may be estimated.
Referring now to Fig. 3 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a flow chart of a method for determining shrinkage of a material in the test apparatus (100).
The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.
At block 301, the method may include, introducing molten material into a cavity (2) that may be defined in a mold (1) of the test apparatus (100). Further, at block 302, a coolant may be channelized in at least one channel (9, 10) which may be defined in the mold (1) to cool the molten material. Upon cooling of the molten material the solidified material forms an interlock with the graphite block (7) that may be positioned in the cavity (2). The graphite block (7) may be displaced corresponding to shrinkage in the material upon solidification and the shrinkage may be measured by the first sensor (11) [as seen in block 303]. Furthermore, as seen block 304, shrinkage of the material is determined in a computing unit (37) based on actuation of the first sensor (11).
In an embodiment, the test apparatus (100) may be configured to measure dynamic shrinkage of metal and metal-alloys under different cooling rates.

In an embodiment, shrinkage at high cooling rates may be determined due to the at least one channel (9, 10) which supplies coolant for continuous heat transfer high.
It should be imperative that the construction and configuration of the test apparatus and any other elements or components described in the above detailed description should not be considered as a limitation with respect to the figures. Rather, variation to such structural configuration of the elements or components should be considered within the scope of the detailed description.
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the

bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Test apparatus
1 Mold
2 Cavity
3, 4 Second senor
7 Block
8 Connecting rod
9, 10 Channel
11 First sensor
37 Computing unit
35 Rotameter
34 Chiller unit

We Claim:
1. A test apparatus (100) for determining shrinkage of a material, the test apparatus (100)
comprising:
a mold (1) defined with a cavity (2), wherein the cavity (2) is configured to receive molten material;
at least one channel (9, 10) provisioned within the mold (1) to channelize a coolant through the mold (1) for cooling the molten material in the cavity (2); and
a graphite block (7) connectable to a first sensor (11) and movably disposed within the cavity (2);
wherein, the first sensor (11) is configured to detect displacement of the graphite block (7) corresponding to shrinkage of the molten material upon casting.
2. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the graphite block (7) at its one end is defined with an arcuate profile to receive the molten material.
3. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a connecting rod (8) connectable to the graphite block (7) at one end and the first sensor (11) at an other end, wherein displacement of the graphite block (7) within the cavity (2) actuates the connecting rod (8) to activate the first sensor (11).
4. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of second sensors (3, 4) provisioned in the mold (1), the plurality of second sensors (3, 4) are configured to record temperature of the mold (1) and the material.
5. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensor (11) connected to the graphite block (7) is a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT).
6. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a chiller unit (34) configured to regulate temperature of the coolant channelized through the at least one channel (9, 10).
7. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mold (1) is manufactured of a material of high thermal conductivity.

8. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material is at least one of metal and metal alloy.
9. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a computing unit (37) connected to the first sensor (11), the computing unit (37) is configured to measure the shrinkage corresponding to signals from the first sensor (11).
10. The test apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity (2) is coated with boron nitride.
11. A method for determining shrinkage of a material in a test apparatus (100), the method comprising:
introducing a molten material into a cavity (2) defined in a mold (1) of the test apparatus (100);
channelizing a coolant in at least one channel (9, 10) defined in the mold (1) to cool the molten material;
actuating a first sensor (11) based on displacement of a graphite block (7) corresponding to shrinkage of the molten material upon casting; and
determining shrinkage of the material in a computing unit (37) based on actuation of the first sensor (11).