Study on squeeze casting of an in situ 5 vol.-% TiB2/2014 Al composite

Abstract

An in situ 5 vol.-% TiB₂/2014 composite was prepared by an exothermic reaction of K₂TiF₆, KBF₄ and Al melts. The effect of introduction of in situ formed TiB₂ particles on the squeeze-casting formability of the composite was discussed. The microstructural evolution and changes in the mechanical properties of the composite at different squeeze pressures were investigated. The results showed that a pouring temperature of 710°C, a die temperature of 200°C and a squeeze pressure of 90 MPa were found to be sufficient to get the qualified squeeze cast and maximum mechanical properties for an Al 2014 alloy. However, the pouring temperature, die temperature and squeeze pressure need to be increased to 780°C, 250°C and 120 MPa for the composite to get the qualified squeeze cast and maximum mechanical properties as a result of the effect of introduction of in situ formed TiB₂ particles on the solidification process, plasticity and fluidity of the composite. The microstructural refinement, elimination of casting defects such as shrinkage porosities and gas porosities and improved distribution of TiB₂ particles in the case of the composite result when pressure was applied during solidification. Compared with the gravity-cast composite, the tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the squeeze-cast composite at 120 MPa increased by 21%, 16% and 200%.     

Temperature and Thermal Stress Distribution for Metal Mold in Squeeze Casting Process

In the squeeze casting process, loaded high pressure （over approximately 200 MPa） and high temperature influence the thermo-mechanical behavior and performance of the used metal mold. Therefore, to safely maintain the metal molds, the thermo-mechanical characteristics （temperature and thermal stress） of metal mold in the squeeze casting must be investigated. In this paper, temperature and thermal stress distribution of steel mold in squeeze casting process were investigated by using a three-dimensional non-steady heat conduction analysis and a three-dimensional thermal elastic-plastic analysis considering temperature-dependent thermophysical and mechanical properties of the steel mold.     

Effect of casting/mould interfacial heat transfer during solidification of aluminium alloys cast in CO2-sand mould

The ability of heat to flow across the casting and through the interface from the casting to the mold directly affects the evolution of solidification and plays a notable role in determining the freezing conditions within the casting, mainly in foundry systems of high thermal diffusivity such as chill castings. An experimental procedure has been utilized to measure the formation process of an interfacial gap and metal-mould interfacial movement during solidification of hollow cylindrical castings of Al-4.5 % Cu alloy cast in CO₂-sand mould. Heat flow between the casting and the mould during solidification of Al-4.5 % Cu alloy in CO₂-sand mould was assessed using an inverse modeling technique. The analysis yielded the interfacial heat flux (q), heat transfer coefficient (h) and the surface temperatures of the casting and the mould during solidification of the casting. The peak heat flux was incorporated as a dimensionless number and modeled as a function of the thermal diffusivities of the casting and the mould materials. Heat flux transients were normalized with respect to the peak heat flux and modeled as a function of time. The heat flux model proposed was to estimate the heat flux transients during solidification of Al-4.5 % Cu alloy cast in CO₂-sand moulds.     

Effects of processing parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of squeeze-cast Mg–12Zn–4Al–0.5Ca alloy

In this paper, a new magnesium alloy Mg–12Zn–4Al–0.5Ca (ZAX12405) was prepared by squeeze casting. The effects of processing parameters including applied pressure, pouring temperature and dwell time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of squeeze-cast ZAX12405 alloy were investigated. It was found that squeeze-cast ZAX12405 alloy exhibited finer microstructure and much better mechanical properties than gravity casting alloy. Increasing the applied pressure led to significant cast densification and a certain extent of grain refinement in the microstructure, along with obvious promotion in mechanical properties. Lowering the pouring temperature refined the microstructure of ZAX12405 alloy, but deteriorated the cast densification, resulting in that the mechanical properties firstly increased and then decreased. Increasing the dwell time promoted cast densification and mechanical properties just before the solidification process ended. A combination of highest applied pressure (120 MPa), medium pouring temperature (650 °C) and dwell time (30 s) brought the highest mechanical properties, under which the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS) and elongation to failure (E_f) of the alloy reached 211 MPa, 113 MPa and 5.2% at room temperature. Comparing with the gravity casting ZAX12405 alloy, the UTS and E_f increased 40% and 300%, respectively. For squeeze-cast Mg–12Zn–4Al–0.5Ca alloy, cast densification was considered more important than microstructure refinement for the promotion of mechanical properties.     

Studies on squeeze casting of Al 2124 alloy and 2124-10% SiCp metal matrix composite

Aluminium 2124 alloy and its composite with 10% SiC particles of average particle size of 23 μm were squeeze cast at different pressures. The effect of squeeze pressure during solidification was evaluated with respect to microstructural characteristics using optical microscopy and image analysis and mechanical properties by tensile testing. The microstructural refinement, elimination of casting defects such as shrinkage and gas porosities and improved distribution of SiC particles in the case of the composite were resulted when pressure is applied during solidification. A pressure level of 100 MPa was found to be sufficient to get the microstructural refinement and very low porosity level in both the alloy and the composite. The improved mechanical properties observed in the squeeze cast alloy and the composite could be attributed to the refinement of microstructure within the material.     

镁合金挤压铸造凝固过程数值模拟

利用有限元法对镁合金挤压铸造凝固过程进行数值模拟,分析了铸件的凝固收缩和凝固时间,预测铸件可能发生缺陷的位置,对比挤压压力对铸件缺陷的影响。 结果发现,与重力铸造相比,挤压铸造的凝固收缩小,铸件在挤压铸造的压力作用下可缩短凝固时间;缺陷模拟结果与实验相符,加大挤压铸造压力有助于减少缺陷的产生。     

The effect of phase transformation on the thermal expansion property in Al/ZrW2O8 composites

This article studied the effect of phase transformation on the thermal expansion property in Al/ZrW₂O₈ composites. The Al/ZrW₂O₈ composites of low-thermal expansion were fabricated by a squeeze casting method. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of as-made composites was discovered sharply increased at around 130 °C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra showed the existence of high-pressure γ-phase in the as-made composites. This high-pressure γ-phase was considered to be induced by the compressive residual stress originated from the thermal mismatch between Al matrix and ZrW₂O₈ particles. The in situ high-temperature XRD and the differential scanning calorimetry technique were used to study this thermally expanded abruption phenomenon. It was found that the phase transformation from high-pressure γ-phase to the low-pressure phases (α/β phase) in the composites should be responsible for fluctuation in the CTE of composites. Furthermore, using a proper heat treatment to eliminate the high-pressure phase in the composite, the Al/ZrW₂O₈ composites of low and uniform CTE (from 20 to 200 °C) could be achieved. And when temperature increased again, the thermal mismatch stresses between the metal matrix and ceramic particles in the composite were not large enough to re-induce the α-γ transformation.     

Effect of cooling rate on microstructure,microsegregation and mechanical properties of cast Ni-based superalloy K417G

The effects of different solidification rates after pouring on the microstructures,microsegregation and mechanical properties of cast superalloy K417 G were investigated.Scheil-model was applied to calculate the temperature range of solidification.The casting mould with different casting runners was designed to obtain three different cooling rates.The microstructures were observed and the microsegregation was investigated.Also,high temperature tensile test was performed at 900?C and stress rupture test was performed at 950?C with the stress of 235 MPa.The results showed that the secondary dendrite arm spacing,microsegregation,the size and volume fraction of γ'phase and the size of γ/γ'eutectic increased with decreasing cooling rate,but the volume fraction of γ/γ' eutectic decreased.In the cooling rate range of 1.42?C s~(-1)–0.84?C s~(-1),the cast micro-porosities and carbides varied little,while the volume fraction and size of phase and γ/γ' eutectic played a decisive role on mechanical properties.The specimen with the slowest cooling rate of 0.84?C s~(-1) showed the best comprehensive mechanical properties.     

The effect of increased pressure on interfacial heat transfer in the aluminium gravity die casting process

Contraction and distortion of a casting during cooling within a mould can force their respective surfaces together, with the associated increased interfacial pressure resulting in increased interfacial heat transfer. This problem has been examined for the case of gravity and low pressure die casting of an Al alloy, where an insulating coating is applied to the die cavity to assist filling of the mould. The degree of interfacial pressure was estimated to be, for a typical small die casting, at most about 21 MPa. Repeated applications of a compressive load showed that a freshly applied die coating became thinner and smoother, until a stable situation was reached after about ten applications. The interfacial heat transfer coefficient was estimated to be increased by about 20%, with an increase in the applied pressure by a factor of two, from 7 MPa to 14 MPa, and increased by about 40%, with an increase in the applied pressure by a factor of three, from 7 MPa to 21 MPa. The heat transfer mechanisms between the casting and the die surfaces were evaluated to produce a simple model of interfacial heat transfer which included conduction through the points of actual contact, in parallel with conduction through the interfacial gas between the points of actual contact, both mechanisms being in series with the heat transfer by conduction through the die coating. Evaluation of the model produced agreement with experimentally determined values of the interfacial heat transfer coefficient to within about 15%.     

Spray formed and rolled aluminium‐magnesium‐scandium alloys with high scandium content

Aluminium‐magnesium‐scandium alloys offer good weldability, high corrosion resistance, high thermal stability and the potential for high strength by precipitation hardening. A problem of aluminium‐scandium alloys is the low solubility of about 0.3 mass‐% scandium when using conventional casting methods. The solution of scandium can be raised by higher cooling rates during solidification. This was realised by spray forming of Al‐4.5Mg‐0.7Sc alloys as flat deposits. Further cooling rates after solidification should also be high to prevent coarse precipitation of secondary Al₃Sc. Therefore a cooling device was designed for the spray formed flat deposits. The flat deposits were rolled at elevated temperatures to close the porosity from spray forming. Microstructures, aging behaviour and tensile properties of the rolled sheets were investigated. Strength enhancements of about 100 MPa compared to conventional Al‐Mg‐Sc alloys were achieved.     

Modeling and Experimental Validation of Deagglomeration of Ultrafine Nanoparticles in Liquid Al During Noncontact Ultrasonic Casting of Al–Al2O3 Nanocomposite

Noncontact ultrasonic casting of nanocomposite has advantages over the contact method. Some of the advantages are (a) relatively uniform intensity of ultrasonic wave within the mold and (b) no dissolution of metal from the probe into the liquid metal. It also has disadvantages over the contact method. Since the ultrasonic action and cooling cum solidification occur simultaneously one needs to ensure completion of deagglomeration before the initiation of solidification. In the current study mathematical models of mold cooling cum solidification and deagglomeration have been developed to identify correct conditions for the noncontact ultrasonic casting. Using this approach a combination of casting parameters that will ensure complete deagglomeration of nanodispersoid was identified and Al–Al₂O₃ nanocomposite, in which Al₂O₃ nanoparticles are separated from each other, was successfully cast using noncontact ultrasonic casting.     

Preparation of Al matrix nanocomposites by diluting the composite granules containing nano-SiCp under ultrasonic vibaration

In this work, an efficient process by diluting the nano-SiCp/Al composite granules in the molten matrix under ultrasonic vibration(UV) was developed to prepare metal matrix nano-composites(MMNCs).Millimeter-sized composite granules with high content of SiC particle(8 wt%) were specially fabricated by dry high-energy ball milling(HBM) without process control agent, and then remelted and diluted in molten Al alloy under UV. The MMNCs melt was finally squeeze cast under a squeeze pressure of 200 MPa, Microstructure of the composite granules during dry HBM was investigated, and the effect of UV on microstructure and mechanical properties of the MMNCs was discussed. The results indicate that nano-SiC particles are uniformly distributed in the nano-SiCp/Al composite granules, which are covered by vestures of pure Al. During diluting, nano-SiC particles released from the composite granules are quickly dispersed in the molten matrix by UV within 4 min. Microstructure of MMNCs is significantly refined under UV and squeeze casting, eutectic Si phase modified to fine islands with an average length of 1.4 μm. Tensile strength of the squeeze cast MMNCs with 1 wt% of nano-SiC particles is 269 MPa, which is improved by 25% compared with the A356 alloy matrix.     

Effects of Sip size and volume fraction on properties of Al/Sip composites

Al–12 wt.% Si alloy matrix composites reinforced with high volume fraction of Si_p were fabricated by squeeze infiltration. The effects of the compacting pressure on the volume fraction of Si_p in preforms, and the influences of Si_p size and volume fraction on the properties of Al/Si_p composites were examined through this study. Si particles were compacted at different pressure of 40–130 MPa followed by sintered at 1000 °C for 7 h to obtain preforms containing 60–70 volume fraction (vol.%) of Si_p. The sintered preforms were then infiltrated with Al–12 wt.% Si alloy at 750 °C under a 75 MPa squeeze infiltration pressure. It was found that lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and smaller density may be obtained with higher Si_p volume fraction, yet increasing Si_p volume fraction leads to higher amount of porosities in the composites and thus lowers the thermal conductivity (TC) and flexural strength. Besides, with the same Si_p volume fraction, coarse Si particles result in higher CTE and TC, while finer Si particles may lower CTE and enhance the flexural strength of the composites effectively. From the results obtained in this study, it is expected that the high volume fraction Si_p reinforced Al/Si_p composites posses good potential in electronic packaging applications.     

Effect of process parameters on semi-solid TLP bonding of Ti–6Al–4V to Mg–AZ31

The semi-solid transient liquid-phase bonding (Semi-solid TLP bonding) of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V to magnesium alloy Mg–AZ31 was performed using a eutectic forming nickel foil. The process parameters were optimized to achieve higher shear strength. The effect of temperature and pressure on microstructure evolution and mechanical characteristics were examined for bonding time between 5 and 60 min. Three reaction layers L1, L2 at Ni/Mg–AZ31 interface and L3 along the Ni/Ti–6Al–4V interface were determined within joint zone at a bonding temperature of 515 °C. The L1 and L2 reaction layers continued to be seen when the bonding temperature increased to 540 °C. When the bonding pressure increases from 0.2 to 0.7 MPa, a new reaction layer L4, at the Ni/Ti–6Al–4V interface was observed. The results showed that as the bonding time increased up to 60 min, the width of the joint decreased due to isothermal solidification. Maximum shear strength of 39 MPa was obtained for 540 °C and 0.2 MPa with a holding time of 20 min. However, further increase in bonding time to 60 min resulted in a decrease in shear strength to 8 MPa, and this decrease in strength was attributed to the increase in intermetallics forming within the joint zone.     

Hot tearing mechanisms of B206 aluminum–copper alloy

In this study, the mechanisms of hot tearing in B206 aluminum alloy were investigated. Castings were produced at three mold temperatures (250 °C, 325 °C and 400 °C) and with two levels of titanium (0.02 wt% and 0.05 wt%) to investigate the effects of cooling rate and grain refinement. A constrained-rod casting mold attached to a load cell was used to monitor the contraction force during solidification and subsequently determine the onset temperature of hot tearing in B206. The corresponding onset solid fraction of hot tearing was estimated from the solid phase evolution of α-Al in B206 using in situ neutron diffraction solidification analysis. Hot tears were found to occur at solid fractions ranging from 0.81 to 0.87. Higher mold temperatures significantly reduced hot tearing severity in B206 but did not alter the onset solid fraction. In contrast, additions of titanium to B206 were effective at eliminating hot tears by transforming the grain structure from coarse dendrites to finer and more globular grains. Finally, in situ neutron diffraction solidification analysis also successfully determined the solid phase evolution of intermetallic Al₂Cu during solidification, which in turn, provided a better understanding of the role of Al₂Cu in the development of hot tears in B206.     

Microstructure characterization and tensile properties of squeeze-cast AlSiMg alloys

A research program was conducted to study the effects of squeeze pressure (70, 100 and 160 MPa) and heat treatment T6 on the structure, hardness and tensile properties of cast Al6Si0.3Mg alloys. The influence of squeeze pressure on macro- and microstructures of Al6Si0.3Mg alloys has been investigated. Some of castings were solution treated at 540 °C for various times and others were subjected to aging at 170 °C after solution treatment. The results indicated that precipitation occurred within about 30 min for both cast and squeeze cast alloys. The hardness began to increase and maximum values were observed after about 10 h for as-cast alloy. Increasing of squeeze pressure (70–160 MPa) accelerated strength of the alloys from 8 to 4 h, respectively. Squeeze pressures decreased the percentage of porosity and increased the density, also it decreased the grain size of α-Al and modified the Si eutectic. Hardness and tensile properties increased with both heat treatment and increasing of squeeze pressure.     

Modelling the pressure die casting process using a hybrid Finite‐Boundary Element model

In this paper an efficient three‐dimensional hybrid thermal model for the pressure die casting process is described. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is used for modelling heat transfer in the casting, and the Boundary Element Method (BEM) for the die. The FEM can efficiently account for the non‐linearity introduced by the release of latent heat on solidification, whereas the BEM is ideally suited for modelling linear heat conduction in the die, as surface temperatures are of principal importance. The FE formulation for the casting is based on the modified effective capacitance method, which provides high accuracy and unconditional stability. This is essential for accurate modelling of the pressure die casting process and efficient coupling to the BEM. The BE model caters for surface phenomena such as boiling in the cooling channels, which is important, as this effectively controls the manner in which energy is extracted. The die temperature is decomposed into two components, one a steady‐state part and the other a time‐dependent perturbation. This approach enables the transient die temperatures to be calculated in an efficient way, since only die surfaces close to the die cavity are considered in the perturbation analysis. A multiplicative Schwarz method for non‐overlapping domains is used to couple the individual die blocks and casting. The method adopted makes use of the weak coupling between the domains, which is a result of the relatively high interfacial thermal resistance that is present. Numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the computational effectiveness of the approach. Predicted die and casting temperatures are compared with thermocouple measurements and good agreement is indicated. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of nanosilica addition on the physicomechanical properties,pore morphology,and phase transformation of freeze cast hydroxyapatite scaffolds

Freeze casting technique is a simple and effective method for the fabrication of porous ceramic structures. The objective of this work is to study the production and characterization of hydroxyapatite/nanosilica (HA/nSiO₂) scaffolds fabricated through this method. In the experimental procedure, the solidified samples were prepared by slurries containing different concentration of HA and nSiO₂ followed by sintering procedure at 1200 and 1350 °C. The phase composition, microstructure, and compressive strength of the scaffolds were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical strength test. It was found that the porosity of the scaffolds was in the range of 30–86.5 % and the value of compressive strengths lied between 0.16 and 71.96 MPa which were influenced by nSiO₂ content, cooling rate, and sintering temperature. With respect to porosity, pore size, and compressive strength, the scaffolds with 5 % nSiO₂, the cooling rate of 1 °C/min and the sintering temperature of 1350 °C showed preferable results for bone tissue engineering applications.     

Injection Parameters Optimization and Artificial Aging of Automotive Die Cast Aluminum Alloy

High-pressure die castings are expected to be used in the near future as high-duty structural components in the automotive industry. The effects of die casting parameters and aging on the tensile properties of high-performance die cast aluminum alloy are therefore investigated in this work. Our results indicate that HPDC AlMg5Si2Mn specimens (formed under an injection pressure of 100 MPa, high-level fast-shot velocity, and speed transition point location 220 mm) possess good internal quality and superb tensile properties (351.1 MPa, 200.7 MPa, 13.77%). Sample density decreased along the die filling direction due to pressure loss. After 3 h aging at 250 °C, tensile strength and yield strength were significantly increased from 351.1 and 200.7 MPa to 380.5 and 246.9 MPa, respectively. Elongation decreased initially from 13.77 to 5.5% after 1 h aging and then recovered to 11.48%. In addition, the effect of cooling methods on mechanical properties was found to be insignificant.     

挤压铸造6082铝合金的高温流变行为和变形激活能分析

目的 研究不同挤压铸造压力下所制备的6082铝合金的高温应力应变关系。方法 对100 MPa和50 MPa挤压铸造压力下制备的6082铝合金进行高温压缩实验,建立了相应的本构模型,并分析了挤压铸造压力和变形参数对流变行为和变形激活能的影响。结果 相同变形条件下,挤压铸造压力为100 MPa时,6082铝合金流变应力更高。当温度较高和应变速率较低时,两种不同的6082铝合金流变应力值差距明显缩小。挤压铸造6082铝合金的激活能随着变形温度和应变速率的增加而降低。结论 高挤压铸造压力下制备的6082铝合金变形激活能更大,变形更困难,但高温中低应变速率时,挤压铸造6082铝合金的变形难易程度相近。