Numerical Simulation of Deformation during Hot Procedure for Large Hydraulic Turbine Runner Blade

Francis hydraulic turbine runner blade has a complex profile, which always causes severe and unpredictable deformation during the hot procedure. In this paper, an integral finite element method model based on ProCast software was developed to simulate the deformation of the blade during the whole hot procedure including casting, shake-out, cutting-off the gating system and heat treatment. And the model predictions were validated by the experimental measurements. Based on the predictions some inverse displacements were added to the initial mould. Finally a huge hydraulic turbine runner blade with uniform and reasonable machining allowance was produced successfully.