Computer-Aided Static and Dynamic Properties Design of the Frame of Electrical Slag Founding Furnace

Abstract

The double-vertical-column frame component, 8780mm high, is the key structure of Electrical Slag Founding Furnace (ESFF). Due to its structural complexity and crucial functional role in the entire equipment, the frame structure is actually the most sensitive part of cost-effective manufacturing. Properties design, in which both static and dynamic properties are analyzed in order to meet the functionality requirement, is widely believed as important as other production processes, such as requirement identification, conceptualization, DFM and so on. And its deterministic role in cost effective manufacturing has been discussed in many historical literatures. Finite Element Analysis (FEA), one of most powerful engineering tool, has long been employed in designing of the frame component aiming to reduce computational time and improve computational precision, either in presence of separated tool or as an integrated utility in CAD systems, for a long time. However seamless integration FEM into Computer-Aided-Design is still a challenging topic and one of the bottlenecks of cost-effective design recognized by scientists in the past. Based on a 3D solid model created with the CAD-system-compatible software SolidWorks, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the Furnace frame structure was carried out, which provided easily utilized data for the successive manufacturing processes as well as near-instantaneous feedbacks to designing process.