Research on semi-solid slurry of a hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy prepared by low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring

The semi-solid slurry of a hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy was manufactured by low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring. The effects of pouting temperature and stirring power on the semi-solid slurry were investigated. The results indicated that the semi-solid slurry to satisfy rheocasting can be manufactured by low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring. The pouring temperature （or superheat） and the stirring power remarkably affected the morphology of primary α-Al and the size of primary α-Al, and there is no obvious effect of stirring time on primary α-Al. Compared with the samples made by low superheat pouring with no stirring, the nucleation rate, particle morphology and grain size of primary α-Al in A356 were markedly improved by low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring. On the condition of weak electromagnetic stirring, the pouring temperature with low superheat can be suitably raised to reach the effectiveness obtained from the lower pouring temperature without stirring.     

Preparation of Semi-Solid AlSi7Mg Alloy Slurry

The semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry of large size was prepared by the low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring in this paper. The effects of pouring temperature and stirring power on the microstructure of the AlSi7Mg alloy slurry were studied. The results show that the semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry of 127mm in diameter can be prepared by the low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring technology and this new technology can save energy and make the pouring process convenient. When the liquid AlSi7Mg alloy is poured at 650 or 630, the solidified microstructure of the AlSi7Mg alloy slurry prepared by the weak electromagnetic stirring is remarkably improved compared with that of the slurry without stirring, the primary -Al grains appear rosette-like or spherical. When the pouring temperature is decreased, the shape of the primary -Al grains is gradually changed from dendritic-like grains to spherical grains. When the pouring temperature is appropriately increased, namely raised to a certain superheat, the pouring process becomes easier and an ideal spherical microstructure of the AlSi7Mg alloy slurry prepared by the weak electromagnetic stirring can also be obtained, in this experiment, when the stirring power is 0.36kW, the optimized pouring temperature parameter is 630.When the AlSi7Mg alloy slurry is prepared by the low superheat pouring and weak electromagnetic stirring, when the pouring temperature is 630,increasing the stirring power appropriately could gain better spherical primary -Al grains,but if the stirring power is increased to a certain value, the shape of the primary 冄-Al grains is not further improved, in this experiment, the optimized stirring power parameter is 0.36kW.     

Effect of pouring temperature on semi-solid slurry of ZL101 alloy prepared by slightly electromagnetic stirring

The semi-solid slurry of ZL101 alloy is prepared by a combination technology of low superheat poudng and slightly electromagnetic stirring. The effects of pouring temperature on the slurry prepared by the technology are investigated. The results indicate that it is feasible to prepare the slurry with globular primary phases by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring, and that the pouring temperature has an important effect on the morphology and the size of primary α-Al in ZL101 alloy. By applying suitable slightly electromagnetic stirring combining with relatively increased pouring temperature, i.e., in a practical way to apply low superheat pouring technology, is capable of obtaining appropriate semi-solid slurry of ZL101 alloy with globular shape of primary phase. Compared with the samples made by low superheat pouring only without stirring, the samples prepared by applying both slightly electromagnetic stirring and low superheat pouring can enable to achieve the same grain size and morphology of the primary phase with that of pouring at 15-35℃ higher.     

6061铝合金半固态浆料的行波电磁搅拌制备工艺

采用低过热度浇注和弱行波电磁搅拌工艺,成功制备出6061铝合金半固态浆料。研究了浇注温度、搅拌功率和搅拌时间对6061铝合金半固态浆料的影响。结果表明:低过热度浇注和弱行波电磁搅拌技术可获得具有良好球状初生α-Al的6061合金半固态组织。浇注温度接近液相线温度,搅拌功率大于2.5kW,搅拌时间大于10s时,6061铝合金半固态浆料中的初生α-Al细小圆整,尺寸均匀。但是当浇注温度降至液相线温度时,组织中出现少量树枝晶。最佳工艺参数:浇注温度667℃、搅拌功率2.5kW、搅拌时间10s。     

Effect of pouring temperature on fractal dimension of primary phase morphology in semi-solid A356 alloy

The fractal dimensions of primary phase morphology in semi-solid A356 alloy prepared by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring were calculated, and the effect of pouring temperature on fractal dimension of primary phase morphology in semi-solid A356 alloy was researched. The results indicate that it is feasible to prepare semisolid A356 alloy slurry by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring, and there is an important effect of pouring temperature on the morphology and the grain size of the primary phase in semi-solid A356 alloy, in which the reduction of pouring temperature can obviously improve grain size and shape factor of primary phase in semi-solid A356 alloy under the condition of a certain stirring power. The primary phase morphology of semi-solid A356 alloy prepared by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring can be characterized by fractal dimension, and the primary phase morphology obtained by the different processing parameters has the different fractal dimensions. Solidification of semi-solid alloy is a course of change in fractal dimension.     

Preparation of semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry with big capability

Semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry was prepared by low superheat pouring and weak traveling-wave electromagnetic stirring.The effects of pouring temperature and stirring power on the microstructure of AlSi7Mg alloy slurry were studied.The results show that the semi-solid AlSi7Mg alloy slurry of 5 kg can be prepared.This new technology can save energy and make the pouring process convenient.When the pouring temperature is decreased at a stirring power of 0.41 kW,the shape of primary α-Al grains gradually changes from dendritic-like to spherical.When the alloy melt is poured at the temperature(630°C) with a certain superheat,the pouring process becomes easier,and the spherical microstructure of AlSi7Mg alloy slurry can be prepared by the weak traveling-wave electromagnetic stirring.When the pouring temperature is 630°C,increasing the stirring power appropriately can result in better spherical primary α-Al grains,but if the stirring power is increased to a certain value(1.72 kW),the shape of primary α-Al grains does not obviously improve when the stirring power is continually increased.     

高效节能制备半固态合金浆料的新工艺

应用高效节能的工艺制备了半固态合金浆料,该工艺采用了低过热度浇注和弱电磁搅拌。研究了主要工艺参数对半固态合金浆料的影响。结果表明,低过热度浇注和弱电磁搅拌工艺可制备满足流变成形所需的半固态合金浆料,浇注温度和搅拌功率显著影响初生α-Al晶粒的形貌和尺寸。通过对合金熔体的弱电磁搅拌,可适当提高低过热度浇注的温度,实现高效和节能的目的。     

Effect of Grain-Refined on Primary α Phase in Semi-Solid A356 Alloy Prepared by low superheat Pouring and Slightil Electromagnetic Stirring

The semi-solid slurry of A356 alloy, which is grain-refined by Al-Ti-B master alloy, is prepared by low superheat pouring and slight electromagnetic stirring. The effects of grain refining on the morphology and the grain size of the primary α phase in the slurry manufactured are researched. The results indicate that the slurry with particle-like and rosette-like primary α phases can be prepared by low superheat pouring and slight electromagnetic stirring from liquid A356 alloy grain-refined, in which the pouring temperature can be suitably raised. Compared with the A356 samples without grain refining, the grain size and particle morphology of primary α phase as well as the distribution of the grain with particle-like or rosette-like along radial in the ingot in A356 are markedly improved by grain refining.     

EFFECT OF GRAIN REFINING ON PRIMARY α PHASE IN SEMI-SOLID A356 ALLOY PREPARED BY LOW SUPERHEAT POURING AND SLIGHT ELECTROMAGNETIC STIRRING

The semi-solid slurry of A356 alloy, which is grain-refined by Al-Ti-B master alloy, is prepared by low superheat pouring and slight electromagnetic stirring. The effects of grain refining on the morphology and the grain size of the primary α phase in the slurry manufactured are researched. The results indicate that the slurry with particle-like and rosette-like primary α phases can be prepared by low superheat pouring and slight electromagnetic stirring from liquid A356 alloy grain-refined, in which the pouring temperature can be suitably raised. Compared with the A356 samples without grain refining, the grain size and particle morphology of primary α phase as well as the distribution of the grain with particle-like or rosette-like along radial in the ingot in A356 are markedly improved by grain refining.     

Research on fractal characteristics of primary phase morphology in semi-solid A356 alloy

Semi-solid slurry of A356 alloy was prepared by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring, and the fractal characteristics of morphology in semi-solid primary phase was researched. The fractal dimensions of primary phase morphology in the semi-solid A356 alloy were calculated by the program written to calculate the fractal dimensions of box-counting in the image of solid phase morphology in semi-solid metal slurry. The results indicated that the morphology of primary phase in semi-solid A356 prepared by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring is characterized by fractal dimension, and the primary phase morphology obtained by the different processing parameters has different fractal dimensions. The morphology of primary phase at the different position of ingot has different fractal dimensions, which reflected the effect of solidified conditions at different positions in the same ingot on the morphology of semi-solid primary phase. Solidification of semi-solid alloy is a course of change in fractal dimension.     

Effect of yttrium on the microstructure of a semi-solid A356 Al alloy

The semi-solid slurry of an A356 Al alloy,which was grain-freed by yttrium,was manufactured by low temperature pouring.The effects of grain-refining on the morphology and the grain size of the primary α phase in the semi-solid A356 Al alloy were researched.The results indicate that the semi-solid A356 Al alloy with particle-like and rosette-like primary α-Al can be prepared by low temperature pouring from a liquid grain-refined A356 alloy.The grain size and particle morphology of primary α-Al in the A356 Al alloy are markedly improved by the addition of 0.5 wt.% Y.The fining mechanism of Y on the morphology and grain size of the primary α-Al in the semi-solid A356 Al alloy was delved.     

Effect of local chilling on morphology of primary α (Al) in semi-solid A356 alloy

The semi-solid slurry of A356 alloy was prepared by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring, in which a pure copper rod was used to produce local chilling. The effect of chilling by the rod on morphology and size of primary α (Al) in A356 was researched. The results indicate that the chilling by the rod remarkably affects the morphology and the size of primary α (Al). Primary α (Al) with particle-like shape is distributed uniformly in A356, and there is no transient area in structure morphology. Compared with the samples prepared without the local chilling, the nucleation rate, morphology and grain size of primary α (Al) in A356 prepared by low superheat pouring and slightly electromagnetic stirring with the rod are markedly improved. Under the condition of chilling, the pouring temperature can be suitably raised to obtain primary α (Al) with particle-like shape.     

半固态金属浆料先进制备技术的研究进展

总结了10多年来半固态金属浆料先进制备工艺的研究和应用现状,分别介绍了压室浆料、双螺旋机械搅拌浆料、低过热度倾斜板浇注浆料、低过热度浇注和弱机械搅拌浆料、连续流变转换浆料、低过热度浇注和弱电磁搅拌浆料、蛇形通道浇注浆料、熔体分散混合浆料、转桶搅拌浆料、波浪倾斜板浇注浆料、旋转倾斜圆筒浆料、超声振动浆料、倒锥形通道浇注浆料、自孕育浆料、偏旋热焓平衡浆料、气泡搅拌浆料、环状电磁搅拌浆料等金属浆料的先进制备工艺及其发展前景。     

半固态金属浆料制备技术的研究进展

总结了30余年来半固态金属浆料制备技术的研究和应用现状,分别介绍了压室浆料制备技术、单螺旋机械搅拌浆料制备技术、双螺旋机械搅拌浆料制备技术、低过热度倾斜板浇注浆料制备技术、低过热度浇注和弱机械搅拌浆料制备技术、连续流变转换浆料制备技术、低过热度浇注和弱电磁搅拌浆料制备技术、蛇形通道浇注浆料制备技术、熔体分散混合浆料制备技术、转桶搅拌浆料制备技术、波浪倾斜板浇注浆料制备技术、旋转倾斜圆筒浆料制备技术、超声振动浆料制备技术、熔体处理和双向电磁搅拌浆料制备技术、低于液相线温度浆料制备技术、偏旋热焓平衡浆料制备技术、气泡搅拌浆料制备技术及其发展前景。     

低过热度浇注SiC_p/Gr/ZL101复合材料组织与性能研究

采用半固态搅拌、低过热度重力浇注的方法制备了SiCp/Gr颗粒复合增强ZL101铝基复合材料。通过显微组织观察、拉伸试验以及阻尼性能测试,研究了不同体积分数SiCp/Gr对铝基复合材料性能的影响。结果表明,通过半固态搅拌、低过热度重力铸造法,使ZL101合金中的初生相α-Al由枝晶形态变为蔷薇状,晶粒明显细化。随着SiCp体积分数的增加,复合材料的抗拉强度先升高后降低,伸长率逐渐下降,复合材料的最高抗拉强度达到191MPa,比ZL101合金提高了32%。SiCp与Gr的加入改善了ZL101合金的阻尼性能,复合材料的内耗值Q-1明显高于基体合金,并且随着SiCp体积分数的增加,复合材料内耗值Q-1逐渐提高。     

Preparation of semi-solid slurry containing fine and globular particles for wrought aluminum alloy 2024

The semi-solid slurry of wrought aluminum alloy 2024 was prepared by a well developed rheocasting process, low superheat pouting with shearing field（LSPSF）. The appreciate combination of pouring temperature and rotation speed of barrel, can give rise to a transition of the growth morphology of primary a（Al） from coarse-dendritic to coarse-particle-like and further to fine-globular. The combined effects of both localized rapid cooling and vigorous mixing during the initial stage of solidification can enhance wall nucleation and nuclei survival, which leads to the formation of fine-globular primary a（Al）. By using semi-solid slurry prepared by LSPSF, direct squeeze cast cup-shaped component with improved mechanical properties such as yield strength of 198 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 306 MPa and elongation of 10.4%, can be obtained.     

Effects of processing parameters on microstructure of semi-solid magnesium alloy

In this paper, the effects of pouring temperature of magnesium melt, preheating temperature of the barrel of the screw mixer, and shear rate on the solidified microstructures of semi-solid slurry were investigated by a mechanical stirring semi-solid process. The appropriate processing parameters of slurry preparation were obtained, and the mold filling ability of semi-solid slurry for thin-walled casting was examined. Results indicate that the solid volume fraction of non-dendritic microstructure increases with a decrease in pouring temperature of magnesium melt and the barrel preheating temperature of the screw mixer. Also the grain size of primary α-phase is reduced. Furthermore, the solid volume fraction of semi-solid nondendritic structure decreases with an increase of shear rate. The fine and round granular microstructure with 30～50 μm in size of semi-solid AZ91D magnesium alloy was presented. Finally, a 1.0 mm thin-walled casting with a clear contour and good soundness was successfully made by semi-solid rheo-diecasting.     

倒锥形通道浇注制备半固态7075铝合金浆料

采用倒锥形通道浇注方法制备了半固态7075铝合金浆料.试验结果表明,当浇注温度为660～690℃、通道内壁锥度在2°～6°之间时,采用锥形通道浇注方法可以制备出较高品质的半固态7075铝合金浆料,且通道内挂料较少;当通道内壁锥度一定时,随着浇注温度降低,初生α -Al的平均晶粒尺寸减小、形状因子提高;当浇注温度一定时,随着通道内壁锥度的增大,初生α -Al的平均晶粒尺寸减小、形状因子提高;在倒锥形通道浇注制备半固态7075铝合金浆料过程中,通道内壁的大量形核和晶粒游离及收集坩埚中的晶粒熟化是获得细小球状初生α-Al晶粒的主要原因.     

Annulus electromagnetic stirring for preparing semisolid A357 aluminum alloy slurry

The effects of pouring temperature and annulus gap width on the microstructure of the semi-solid A357 aluminum alloy slurry prepared by annulus electromagnetic stirring(AEMS) technology were investigated. The results show that low pouring temperature and narrow annulus gap are advantageous to obtaining the small spherical primary α(Al) phase. The lower the pouring temperature is and the smaller the annulus gap width is, the more uniform, the smaller and the more spherical the microstructure is. The microstructures obtained by the ordinary electromagnetic stirring and AEMS were compared. The results indicate that the primary α(Al) particles are globular, small and distribute homogeneously in the slurry obtained by AEMS. But in the slurry obtained by the ordinary electromagnetic stirring, the primary α(Al) particles are small dendrites in the edge of the slurry and they are large and rosette-like or dendritic in the inner of the slurry.     

MICROSTRUCTURAL FORMATION MECHANISM OF SEMI-SOLID AZ91D ALLOY

With the help of an electromagnetic stirring device and alloy melt quenching technology, the microstntcture of semi-solid AZqlD magnesium alloy slurry stirred by a rotationally electromagnetic fieM was studied and the experimental results are shown as the following. The primary α-Mg grains are refined obviously when the slurry is stirred by a rotational electromagnetic field during continuously cooling and they are eventually changed to fine rosette grains or spherical grains. If the above semi-solid slurty is further stirred isothermally for some time, much more spherical primary α-Mg grains can be obtained. If the melt is first cooled down to a given semi-solid temperature and then starts being stirred by the rotational electromagnetic field, the primary α-Mg dendrites will be large, and a longer time will be taken and a larger stirring power will be needed for the secondary army of the dendrites to be remelted on the roots to prepare an ideal semiolid slurry. Theoretical analysis indicates that the strong flow motion leads to a more even temperature field and a solute field and stronger man-made temperature fluctuation in the AZglD magnesium alloy melt so that the spherical primary α-Mg grains are increased in the slurry. Moreover, all the measures promoting the temperature fluctuation will be favorable to the formation of spherical primary α-Mg grains and all the factors increasing the arm＇s root remelting difficulty will be favorable to the formation of rosette-type primary α-Mg grains.