JME_V2_N2_RP4 S.Santhi S.B. Sakri D. Hanumantha Rao S. Sundarrajan Journal on Mechanical Engineering 2249 - 0744 2 2 19 25 Shrinkage Porosity, Aluminium Alloy, Casting Shape, Process Simulation, Solid Model Shrinkage characteristic of US A356 cast aluminium alloy has been discussed in the present study. The reduction in specific volume leads to shrinkage in castings and it can be visualized as a casting defect. The shrinkage characteristic has been studied using finite difference based casting process simulation software and it is quantified using mathematical formulae. CAD has been used for construction of three dimensional model of the shrinkage defect. Shrinkage characteristic has also been quantified through experimental validation studies and compared well with casting process simulation. Shrinkage characteristic study and control is essential for producing defect free castings. Influence of casting shape on the shrinkage characteristic has been studied in this paper. February - April 2012 Copyright © 2012 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=1567