Microstructure characterization and tensile properties of direct squeeze cast and gravity die cast 2017A wrought Al alloy

Squeeze casting is a pressurized solidification process wherein finished components can be produced in a single process from molten metal to solid utilizing re-useable die tools. This one activates different physical processes which have metallurgical repercussions on the cast material structure. Desirable features of both casting and forging are combined in this hybrid method. 2017A aluminium alloy, conventionally used for wrought products, has been successfully cast using direct squeeze casting. Squeeze casting with an applied pressure removes the defects observed in gravity die cast samples. Tensile properties and microstructures are investigated. The results show that the finer microstructure was achieved through the squeeze casting. Furthermore, higher pressures improved the fracture properties and decreased the percentage of porosity of the cast alloy. The ultimate tensile strength, the yield strength and the elongation of the squeezed cast samples improved when the squeeze pressure increased.     

The Microstructure of Direct Squeeze Cast and Gravity Die Cast 7050 (Al–6.2Zn–2.3Cu–2.3Mg) Wrought Al Alloy

A 7050 (Al–6.2 wt% Zn–2.3 wt% Cu–2.3 wt% Mg) Al alloy, conventionally used for wrought products, has been successfully cast to near-net shape using direct squeeze casting. Squeeze casting with an applied pressure of 50 MPa removes the defects observed in gravity die cast billets, in particular, (1) shrinkage pipe, (2) poor die replication and waisting, and (3) microporosity. Squeeze casting results in considerable refinement of the microstructure due to an increase in cooling rate from 0.5°C s^–1 for gravity casting to 11°C s^–1 for squeeze casting in a tool steel die lined with porous insulation, and from 2.5 to 10°C s^–1, respectively, in an uninsulated die. A normal segregation pattern of increasing eutectic toward the center of the billet is found for squeeze casting, compared to an inverse segregation pattern of increasing eutectic toward the edge of the billet for gravity casting. This change in segregation pattern is due to a higher radial temperature gradient and reduced time in the semisolid state for squeeze casting.     

Comparative study on microstructures and mechanical properties of the heat-treated Al–5.0Cu–0.6Mn–xFe alloys prepared by gravity die casting and squeeze casting

The Al–5.0 wt% Cu–0.6 wt% Mn alloys with different Fe contents were prepared by gravity die casting and squeeze casting. The difference in microstructures and mechanical properties of the T5 heat-treated alloys was examined by tensile test, optical microscopy, deep etching technique, scanning electron microscope and electron probe micro-analyzer. The results show that both β-Fe and α (CuFe) are observed in T5 heat-treated gravity die cast alloy and only α (CuFe) appears in the squeeze cast alloy when the Fe content is 0.5 wt%. When the Fe content is more than 1.0 wt%, the main Fe-rich intermetallics is α (CuFe) in both squeeze cast and gravity die cast alloys. The mechanical properties of both the gravity die cast and squeeze cast alloys decrease gradually with the increase of Fe content due to the decreased volume fraction of precipitation particles, the increased volume fraction of Fe-rich intermetallics and the increased size of α (Al) dendrites. The squeeze cast alloys with different Fe contents have superior mechanical properties compared to the gravity die cast alloys, which is mainly attributed to the reduction of porosity and refinement of Fe-rich intermetallics and α (Al) dendrite. In particularly, the elongation of the squeeze cast alloys is less sensitive to the Fe content than that of the gravity die cast alloys. An elongation level of 13.7% is obtained in squeeze cast alloy even when the Fe content is as high as 1.5%, while that of the gravity die cast alloy is only 5.3%.     

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。     

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.     

挤压铸造与超声处理对铸造铝锂合金组织与性能的影响

目的 研究挤压铸造与超声处理工艺对铸造铝锂合金组织与性能的影响规律,分析工艺改变对组织细化及性能提升的作用机理,解决传统重力铸造下铝锂合金性能较差的问题。方法 将挤压铸造（SC）与超声处理（UT）相结合制备Al-2Li-2Cu-0.5Mg-0.2Zr合金,在熔体超声2 min后,以50 MPa的挤压力制备合金,探究各工艺对铸造铝锂合金显微组织与力学性能的影响。结果 与传统的重力铸造（GC）相比,SC合金的孔隙率和成分偏析显著降低,晶粒尺寸也明显减小,特别是经过UT+SC处理的合金得到了进一步优化。经UT+SC处理后,Al-2Li-2Cu合金的极限抗拉强度（UTS）、屈服强度（YS）和伸长率分别为235 MPa、135 MPa和15%,与GC合金相比,分别提高了113.6%、28.6%、1 150%,与SC合金相比,分别提高了5.4%、3.8%、15.4%。结论 UT+SC工艺能明显提升铸造铝锂合金的性能。UT+SC制备的Al-Li合金的强度和伸长率的提高归因于孔隙率的降低、晶粒细化和第二相的均匀分布。将挤压铸造与超声处理相结合制备铸造铝锂合金解决了重力铸造下合金性能较差的问题,为满足航...     

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.     

The influence of Sr,Mg and Cu addition on the microstructural properties of a secondary AlSi9Cu3(Fe) die casting alloy

The influence of Sr, Mg and Cu content on the microstructure of a high-pressure die cast AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy is reported. Metallographic and image analysis techniques have been used to quantitatively examine the microstructural changes occurring at different Sr, Mg and Cu levels. The results reveal that the Sr and Cu increase the amount of microporosity in the die castings, while Mg counteracts this effect. The secondary dendrite arm spacing and the grain size slightly decrease by the addition of the alloying elements. Compared with the base AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy, the Sr-modified alloy shows significant refinement and morphological modification of eutectic Si particles in the central regions of the castings. In contrast, such mechanisms at the casting surfaces are substantially driven by more rapid solidification. The Mg and Cu addition annihilates the benefits of refinement of eutectic Si particles by Sr modification, while it seems to not affect their morphology. The combined addition of Cu and Mg determines an increase of Cu- and Mg-rich intermetallic compounds, while the Sr-modified alloy shows lower fraction of intermetallics, even if comparable to the base alloy in terms of other alloying elements.     

Evaluation of microstructure of A356 aluminum alloy casting prepared under vibratory conditions during the solidification

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of vibrations (during solidification) on the metallurgical properties of A356 aluminum casting. Mechanical vibrations were applied to A356 aluminum alloy through set up. A356 melt has been subjected to mechanical vibration with the frequency range from 0 to 400 Hz with constant amplitude 5 µm. Grain refinement was obtained through mold vibration. Metallurgical properties were examined through optical microstructure, tensile fracture scanning electron microscope (SEM) and SEM image of test specimens prepared under different conditions of solidification. Results indicate that mold vibration effectively modified the microstructure of A356 casting and it has uniform and smaller grain size with fibrous silicon particle than nonvibrated casting. Grain refinement results increase in mechanical properties with increase in frequency of vibration of mold during the solidification. SEM micrograph of tensile fracture surface was carried out to study the influence of microstructure on fracture mode. SEM image of tensile fractured surface shows transgranular cleavage facets due to fracture of primary silicon particles. Fractures are brittle in nature so observation indicates low ductility and brittle fracture.     

Predictive equations of the tensile properties based on alloy hardness and microstructure for an A356 gravity die cast cylinder head

One of the main problems in the design of complex Al–Si cast components is the wide variety of mechanical properties in different regions of the castings which is due to the wide range of solidification microstructures, related to the local solidification conditions. There are many papers available on the widely used A356/A357 Al–Si–Mg alloys, however, most experimental data on their tensile or fatigue properties are generally obtained from specimens cast separately or produced under controlled laboratory conditions, that are extremely different from those of industrially cast components. Moreover, most of these data often relate the mechanical properties to only one microstructural parameter, such as solidification defects or secondary dendrite arm spacing, and do not take their simultaneous effect into consideration. For all these reasons, the main problem, in the design phase, is the lack of knowledge of the true local mechanical properties in complex-shaped castings, which often means a conservative approach is necessary, with a consequent increase in thickness and therefore in weight. The aim of this research was to study a complex A356 gravity die cast cylinder head, in order to verify the range of variability of the main microstructural parameters and tensile properties, using specimens directly machined from the casting. The component was heat treated at the T6 condition, and the effect of the delay between quenching and aging on the alloy hardness was also evaluated. Simple experimental equations have been proposed, able to successfully predict the local tensile properties in the casting, when only the most important microstructural parameters and alloy hardness are known. These equations allow the designer to predict the local tensile behaviour without any tensile tests; moreover they can also link the post-processing results of the casting simulation software to the pre-processing phase of the structural ones, with an approach of co-engineered design.     

反重力铸造对高强度铝合金凝固组织影响的研究

采用反重力铸造方法生产高强度铝合金铸件已成为航空、航天领域内获得优质构件的重要途径。研究了反重力铸造对高强度铝合金ZL114A和ZL205A铸件凝固组织的影响。结果表明,合金的凝固组织存在着不同的位置效应,对于ZL114A合金铸件,冷端晶粒尺寸最小,靠近浇口处晶粒尺寸粗大。对于ZL205A合金铸件,随距浇口处距离的减少,枝晶间分布的网格状θ(A l2Cu)相逐渐由粗变细,α(Al)枝晶内分布的黑色点状T(Al12CuMn2)相逐渐减少。分析表明,在反重力铸造补缩压力相同的情况下,合金的凝固温度范围不同是造成凝固组织不同位置效应的主要原因。     

Compressive properties of high-pressure die cast IP 75 alloy with strengthening Laves phase

The NiAl-2Ta-7.5Cr-0.5Nb alloys (IP 75 alloy) were prepared by high-pressure die cast (HPDC), and tested for compressible strength and fracture behavior in the temperature range 300-1373 K. The fine structures with a homogeneous distribution of Laves phase at the boundary regions created by high-pressure die cast led to improvements in both the compressible yield strength and fracture strain. The high temperature (1373 K) 0.2% compressible yield strength of the HDC IP 75 alloy (160 MPa) is larger than that of the IP 75 alloys prepared by other processes. The room-temperature compressible fracture strain of the HDC IP 75 (14%) is also superior to the IP 75 alloy (5%) prepared by an ingot-casting process. The effects of size refinement and the more homogenous distribution of Laves phase and the formation of a ductile Cr-rich phase due to a rapid solidification contribute to the increments of the compressible yield strength and the fracture strain of the HPDC alloy.     

Interfacial Thermal Resistance and the Solidification Behavior of the Al/SiCp Composites

The objective of this investigation is to study the effects of applied pressure on the solidification time and interfacial thermal resistance of A356/10% SiC_p during squeeze casting. Samples were prepared for various but constant squeeze pressures up to 130 MPa while maintaining the melt and mold temperatures at 800°C and 400°C, respectively. It was observed that the solidification time was 60 s when no squeeze pressure was applied but it decreased to 42 s when the squeeze pressure was maintained at 130 MPa. The results also showed that the cooling rate increased with squeeze pressure. The solidification time calculated from one-dimensional heat flow theory was found to be close to that obtained from the experimental cooling curves. The interfacial thermal resistance between the mold and the casting was calculated and it decreases when the squeeze pressure increases.     

Al_2O_3短纤维/M124F复合材料的凝固组织

采用挤压铸造法制备了Al2O3短纤维增强M124F铝合金复合材料,并研究了其拉伸强度、基体凝固组织和界面。结果表明:用挤压铸造法制备的复合材料组织致密,纤维分布均匀,抗拉强度与M124F相比明显提高;基体组织的α-Al枝晶和Si相明显细化。分析表明,纤维的加入具有双重增强作用:高强度陶瓷纤维的介入增强了基体材料的力学性能;在凝固过程中,Al2O3短纤维阻碍了α-Al枝晶的生长,同时可作为Si相非自发形核的衬底,细化了基体组织,提高了复合材料的力学性能。纤维与基体间未发现界面生成物MgAl2O4。     

基于遗传算法的低压铸造铝合金车轮工艺优化

为解决低压铸造铝合金车轮质量控制难度大的问题,采用遗传算法对工艺参数进行优化.基于铸造数值模拟结果,利用BP人工神经网络建立了铸造工艺参数与质量控制目标缩松缺陷和凝固时间的非线性关系,采用遗传算法实现了铸造工艺参数的优化.以某型低压铸造A356铝合金车轮为例,对浇注温度、上模温度、下模温度、侧模温度、模芯温度5个参数进行优化,得到的最佳工艺组合,可有效控制缩松缺陷和凝固时间.利用数值模拟结果、建立神经网络模型,采用遗传算法优化的方法,获得近似最优解,有助于优化低压铸造工艺.     

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%.     

Microstructure, thermal behavior and mechanical properties of squeeze cast SiC, ZrO2 or C reinforced ZA27 composites

ZA27 alloy based composites were synthesized by stirring method, followed by squeeze casting. Stir casting was employed successfully to incorporate 5 vol.% of various reinforcement particulates, namely, SiC, ZrO₂ or C. The porosity in the composites was decreased by squeeze pressure. The presence of particles and/or application of squeeze pressure during solidification resulted in considerable refinement in the structure of the composites. The microstructures, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) results indicated that no significant reactions occurred at the interface between the SiC or C particles and ZA27 alloy. However, in case of ZrO₂ reinforced ZA27, the ZrO₂ reacted with Cu present in the molten ZA27 alloy, forming Cu₅Zr. Thermal analysis showed that both α and β nucleation and growth temperatures of the composites were lower than those of the ZA27 alloy. The presence of particles in the as-cast or squeezed composites led to not only an accelerated age hardening response, but also an increase in the peak hardness of the composites. The values of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the composites were drastically lower as compared to those of the ZA27 alloy. The tensile properties of the composites decreased as a result of the addition of the particles. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) pictures of the composites indicated that cracks mainly initiated at particle-matrix interface, propagated through the matrix and linked up with other cracks leading to failure of the composites.     

铝合金曲轴后端盖压铸模浇注与排溢系统优化设计

为满足某发动机曲轴后端盖铸件高质量的外观与密封要求,针对该铝合金零件进行了高压铸造模具的浇注与排溢系统优化设计。首先根据铸件形貌和尺寸特征进行浇道、内浇口和排溢槽的理论设计,随后采用ProCAST软件模拟高压铸造充型、凝固过程,对铸件的卷气、缩松、缩孔及组织进行预测分析。研究发现,方案1的平直型横浇道浇注方案,金属液冲击型芯容易产生紊流和飞溅,且设置在铸件中间和下部的排溢系统不能减少紊流,易形成裹气和大的缩孔缺陷;而方案2为钳形浇道,去除方案1铸件中部的溢流槽并将下部连通溢流槽改为两个,明显改善铸件内裹气和缩孔现象,确定方案2为最终方案。试模铸件外观质量良好,经X射线探伤发现铸件无裂纹,厚大缩孔位置与缺陷仿真预测良好吻合;金相显微镜(OM)、扫描电镜(SEM)和电子背散射衍射(EBSD)观察组织发现,铸件晶粒细小、组织致密,晶粒取向差小,内部应力小,与组织和应力仿真结果一致;能谱分析(EDS)、X射线衍射(XRD)分析表明,铸件成分均匀,组织内部无杂质。本研究可为端盖类铝合金压铸件模具及工艺开发提供参考。     

Effect of electromagnetic centrifugal casting on solidification microstructure of cast high speed steel roll

Using self‐made electromagnetic centrifugal casting machine, optical microscopy (OM) and D/max2200pc X‐ray diffraction, the solidification microstructure and phases of as‐cast high speed steel(HSS) roll made by sand casting, centrifugal casting and electromagnetic centrifugal casting were investigated. The experiment results show that the phases of as‐cast high speed steel (HSS) roll are alloy carbide (such as W₂C, VC, Cr₇C₃), martensite and austenite. The centrifugal casting and electromagnetic centrifugal casting can apparently improve the solidification structure of HSS roll. With the increase of electromagnetic field intensity (B), the volume fraction of austenite in the HSS solidification structure increased obviously and eutectic ledeburite decreased, the secondary carbide precipitated from the austenite is more fine and distribution of secondary carbide is more even.     

Revealing and characterising solidification structure of ductile cast iron

Abstract

This study deals with the solidification and microsegregation processes of near eutectic ductile cast iron. A detailed analysis of old and new solidification models was made. Metallographic techniques, developed elsewhere by the authors, were used to reveal the solidification microstructure and macrostructure. The results allow a new solidification model to be proposed, where each solidification unit is a grain of eutectic austenite that has a dendritic substructure and contains a very large number of graphite nodules. A pattern of microsegregation exists inside each solidification grain, while no intergranular microsegregation has been detected. A procedure to characterise the solidification refinement was developed considering the location of the last to freeze areas.