Ceramic shell molds have complex structure and phase transformations which occur during both firing and pouring thermal cycles. Both of these factors influence shell mold thermal properties. Knowledge about time and temperature dependence of heat capacity and heat conductivity is important for investment casting process development and computational simulation. Standard differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, laser flash thermal diffusivity techniques and specially designed methods for measurement of thermal properties of ceramic shells at high temperature were used in this study. Experimental data on heat capacity of pure components were compared to multi-layered shells in green condition, during pattern removing, during firing and during pouring cycles. In was shown, that process temperature history had a significant effect on shell thermal properties. Thermo-physical property data was used for analysis of casting solidification in commercial software.

Ceramic shell molds have complex structure and phase transformations occur during both firing and pouring thermal cycles. Both these factors influence shell mold thermal properties. Knowledge about time and temperature dependence of heat capacity and heat conductivity is important for investment casting process development and computational simulation. Standard differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, laser flash thermal diffusivity techniques and specially designed methods for measurement of thermal properties of ceramic shells at high temperature were used in this study. Experimental data on heat capacity of pure components were compared to multi-layered shells in green condition, during pattern removing, firing and pouring cycles. In was shown, that process temperature history had a significant effect on shell thermal properties. Thermo-physical property data was used for analysis of casting solidification in commercial software.