Quality Standardization of Big Size Castings for Wind Power Turbines

This paper starts based on an advanced simulation work about casting parts of wind power turbines made in ductile iron of high tenacity. The technical goal was extracted from the a research Project, carried out with Basque Country Foundrymen Association (Spanish Foundrymen Federation), two foundries, TS Fundiciones (Zestoa-Guipúzcoa) and Fundiciones Urbina (Urbina-Álava) as process suppliers and GAMESA Eólica (Huarte-Navarra) as part and geometry supplier. The study shows that nowadays it is already possible to obtain predictions with high accuracy in pouring and solidification simulations using simultaneously microstructure calculations and after these ones good predictions about final microstructures and so the subsequent mechanical properties of the castings. All concerning tasks in simulation have been made using FEM (Finite Elements Method). Referred to metallographic studies and tests, they were made at Inasmet-TECNALIA laboratories.