Effect of compound field on horizontal continuous casting of Al-1wt.%Si alloy

• Main Authors: Zhong-tao Zhang, Hong-yun Yue, Jian Zhang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Foundry Journal Agency 2015-03-01
• Series: China Foundry
• Subjects: ultrasonic vibration; travelling magnetic field; grain refinement; nucleation; compound field
• Online Access: http://ff.foundryworld.com/uploadfile/2015042055357925.pdf

A travelling magnetic field, a power ultrasonic field, and a compound field were used separately during the horizontal continuous casting process of Al-1wt.%Si alloy. The samples obtained were characterized using an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope, a tensile testing machine, and an electron probe microscopic analyzer to test the microstructures, properties, and element distribution of the samples. The results show that the application of a single field can enhance the mechanical properties and reduce the segregation of Si element in Al-1wt.%Si alloy to some extent. The application of a compound field can obtain the best refinement and homogeneity of the Si element in the alloy, leading to the highest increase of tensile strength and elongation among the three applied fields. The mechanism of the action of external fields on the refinement of microstructures and homogeneity of the Si element is discussed and the compound field is considered to be an effective method to achieve high quality Al alloys.