Parametric optimization of surface roughness castings produced by Evaporative Pattern Casting process

In the present paper Taguchi's approach has been applied to the Evaporative Pattern Casting (EPC) process of Al–7%Si alloy to determine the most influential control factors which will provide better and consistent surface roughness to the castings regardless of the noise factors present. In order to evaluate the effect of process parameters such as grain fineness number, time of vibration, degree of vacuum and pouring temperature on surface roughness of EPC process castings, the Taguchi parameter design and optimization approach is used. Through the Taguchi's parameter design approach, optimal levels of process parameters have been determined. The results indicated that the grain fineness number, time of vibration, degree of vacuum were the significant parameters in deciding the surface roughness of Al–7%Si alloy castings. Pouring temperature was the insignificant parameter. The predicted optimal value of surface roughness of Al–7%Si alloy castings produced by EPC process was 2.31 μm. The results were confirmed by further experiments.     

Quality of v-process moulds through the taguchi technique

The global consciousness for quality has motivated designers and manufacturing engineers to be engaged constantly in product and process development. The approach, quality by design, developed by Taguchi has produced a unique and powerful quality improvement discipline that differs from traditional practices. In the present paper, Taguchi's technique has been applied to obtain an optimal setting of V-process parameters. The results indicate that the sand grain fineness number and amplitude of vibration are the control factors. These factors affect both the mean and the variation of the bulk density of the V-process mould. The signal factor, that is the factor that affects only the mean value, is time of vibration. The insignificant factor is the degree of vacuum imposed. The optimum value of bulk density (1–588 gm/cm³) at the optimal setting of these parameters has been obtained and confirmed by further experiments.     

Separated Eutectic Structure of Al-11 wt pct Si Alloy under Direct Magnetic Field

An investigation has been made on the effect of a direct magnetic field on the structure of eutectic Al-11 wt pct Si alloy. At the superheated temperature of 750 degreesC, a separated eutectic structure in the alloy occurs under the condition of the magnetic induction intensity up to 0.24 T. A great number of primary Si particles in the Al-11 wt pct Si alloy are segregated to the surface layer of the specimens. The microstructure of the alloy consists of primary Si particles in the surface layer and Al Matrix in the inner part of the specimen. Moreover, the higher the superheated temperature, the more remarkable the segregation trend. The mechanism of the formation of separated eutectic has been discussed.     

Randomized Complete Block Designs in Industrial Studies

Product quality is a function of several performance characteristics. If it is desired to optimize a single performance characteristic of the product, traditional mathematical models may be used. But, when all the optimum performance characteristics need to be integrated into the product then the problem has to be formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem. In most of the real life situations, the customers' requirements are fuzzy in nature, e.g., minimum surface roughness or maximum strength. This inexact information creates a problem, i.e., where to draw a line between what is required and what is not. This inexactness in the nature of the goals can be studied well through the use of fuzzy set logics.

In the present work, a multi-objective optimization model using the concept of fuzzy set logic is developed. A case study “Obtaining an optimal set of V-process parameters that yields the optimum composite quality features to Al-11% Si alloy castings” is also included in this paper.     

Mechanical properties and microstructure of SiC-reinforced Mg-(2,4)Al-1Si nanocomposites fabricated by ultrasonic cavitation based solidification processing

Nano-sized SiC enhanced magnesium matrix nanocomposites, Mg-2Al-1SiC with 2% SiC and Mg-4Al-1Si with 2% SiC, were successfully fabricated by ultrasonic cavitation based dispersion of SiC nanoparticles in Mg-(2,4)Al-1Si magnesium alloy melts. As compared to the magnesium alloy matrixes, the mechanical properties including tensile strength and yield strength of the Mg-2Al-1Si/2% SiC and Mg-4Al-1Si/2% SiC nanocomposites were improved significantly, while the ductility of magnesium alloy matrix castings was retained. While there were some SiC micro-clusters in the microstructure of nanocomposites, the SiC nanoparticles were dispersed well outside the areas of micro-clusters. Most micro-clusters were located along the grain boundaries while most separate SiC nanoparticles were embedded inside the grains. TEM study of the interface between SiC nanoparticles and Mg-(2,4)Al-1Si metal matrixes suggested that SiC bonds well with the metal matrixes without forming an intermediate phase.     

Estimation of air gap and heat transfer coefficient at different faces of Al and Al–Si castings solidifying in permanent mould

Abstract

In the casting processes, the heat transfer coefficient at the metal/mould interface is an important controlling factor for the solidification rate and the resulting structure and mechanical properties. Several factors interact to determine its value, among which are the type of metal/alloy, the mould material and surface conditions, the mould and pouring temperatures, casting configuration, and the type of gases at the interfacial air gap formed. It is also time dependent. In this work, the air gap formation was computed using a numerical model of solidification, taking into consideration the shrinkage and expansion of the metal and mould, gas film formation, and the metallostatic pressure. The variation of the air gap formation and heat transfer coefficient at the metal mould interface are studied at the top, bottom, and side surfaces of Al and Al–Si castings in a permanent mould in the form of a simple rectangular parallelepiped. The results show that the air gap formation and the heat transfer coefficient are different for the different casting surfaces. The bottom surface where the metallostatic pressure makes for good contact between the metal and the mould exhibits the highest heat transfer coefficient. For the sidewalls, the air gap was found to depend on the casting thickness as the larger the thickness the larger the air gap. The air gap and heat transfer coefficient also depend on the surface roughness of the mould, the alloy type, and the melt superheat. The air gap is relatively large for low values of melt superheat. The better the surface finish, the higher the heat transfer coefficient in the first few seconds after pouring. For Al–Si alloys, the heat transfer coefficient increases with increasing Si content.     

热处理对变质处理Al-Si合金组织的影响

本文采用金相显微镜、扫描电镜观察及能谱分析,研究热处理对Na盐变质Al-12％Si合金组织的影响。研究结果表明：Al-12％Si合金加入25％NaF＋62％NaCl＋13％KCl变质后共晶硅相细化;Al-12％Si合金经过热处理,随着加热温度的升高及保温时间的延长,硅相逐渐粒状化,其中变质处Al-12％Si合金的细化效果更佳;在本试验条件下,经过变质处理的Al—12％Si合金经加热577℃保温8h后,获得了硅相呈细小颗粒状,在a—Al基体上均匀分布的共晶组织。Na盐吸附于硅的晶核表面,阻碍硅晶体的长大,使Si相细化。Al-12％Si合金热处理过程中,随温度的升高及保温时间的延长,使原子扩散加快,促进硅相细化。     

Quality optimization (multi‐characteristics) through Taguchi's technique and utility concept

The work of Taguchi for determining the optimal settings of controllable factors through off‐line experiments focuses on products with a single quality characteristic or response. However, most products have several quality characteristics or responses of interest. Taguchi's technique in itself optimizes a single response or performance characteristic yielding a set of process parameters. This particular setting may not give desired results for other characteristics of the product. In such cases, a need arises to obtain a single setting (optimal setting) of the process parameters, which can be used to produce the products with optimum or near optimum quality characteristics as a whole. Multi‐characteristic response optimization may be the solution of the above problem. In the present paper a case study on V‐processed castings of Al–7%Si alloy, utilizing a simplified multi‐criterion methodology based on Taguchi's approach and utility concept, is discussed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High temperature wear performance of Ti–6.5Al–3.5Mo–1.5Zr–0.3Si alloy subjected to laser shock peening

This paper investigates the influence of laser shock peening (LSP) parameters on surface integrities and high temperature wear performances of Ti–6.5Al–3.5Mo–1.5Zr–0.3Si alloy. Surface integrities include surface roughness, residual stress and micro-hardness are measured. High temperature wear performance of TC11 alloy with and without LSP are investigated. The results indicate that multiple LSP impacts can improve surface micro-hardness and induce compressive residual stress in the surface layer. Moreover, the friction coefficient and wear rate of TC11 alloy significantly decrease after LSP with optimised parameters. The improved wear performance is ascribed to the low surface roughness, higher surface micro-hardness and compressive residual stress induced by multiple LSP impacts in the surface layer.     

Studies on carbon fibre reinforced aluminium composite processed using pre-treated carbon fibres

Carbon fibre reinforced Al-12% Si alloy composite has been fabricated by pre-treating the fibres with K₂ZrF₆ followed by molten alloy infiltration and subsequent hot pressing of the preforms. The infiltration conditions were arrived at based on the measurement of tensile strength of the fibres extracted from the preforms. The fibre volume per cent of 20 was found to result in composite tensile strength of about 240 MPa as compared to tensile strength of 100 MPa for the unreinforced matrix. Characterization of the interface revealed the formation of ZrSi₂ and diffusion of potassium and aluminium into the fibre. The interfacial bonding was strong as is evinced by the absence of fibre pull-out on to the fracture surface.     

Study on Al-Cu-Si braze containing small amount of rare earth erbium

In the present work, the effect of a small amount of rare earth Er addition on the microstructure of Al-Cu-Si brazing alloy has been investigated. In the study, the Al-20Cu-7Si brazing alloys with various Er contents were prepared. 3003 aluminum alloy was chosen as a substrate. The microstructure of the brazed alloys was carefully observed. In addition, melting temperature, wettability and hardness of the brazing alloys were measured. The results indicate that the constituent of the microstructure of Al-20Cu-7Si-Er brazed alloy is similar to the Al-20Cu-7Si, which is mainly comprised of solid solutions of aluminum, silicon and the intermetallic compounds CuAl₂. When the Er content increases, the size of Al phases is decreased, and the filament-like or needle-like Si phase is thickened. The Si phases dominating in the shape of a filament or needle are transformed to those in the shape of a block when Er content is increased. Moreover, adding a small amount of Er can improve the wettability and hardness of the Al-20Cu-7Si brazing alloy. However, the melting temperature of the Al-20Cu-7Si alloy is almost unchanged when a small amount of Er is added.     

Study on Al-Cu-Si braze containing small amount of rare earth erbium

In the present work, the effect of a small amount of rare earth Er addition on the microstructure of Al-Cu-Si brazing alloy has been investigated. In the study, the Al-20Cu-7Si brazing alloys with various Er contents were prepared. 3003 aluminum alloy was chosen as a substrate. The microstructure of the brazed alloys was carefully observed. In addition, melting temperature, wettability and hardness of the brazing alloys were measured. The results indicate that the constituent of the microstructure of Al-20Cu-7Si-Er brazed alloy is similar to the Al-20Cu-7Si, which is mainly comprised of solid solutions of aluminum, silicon and the intermetallic compounds CuAl₂. When the Er content increases, the size of Al phases is decreased, and the filament-like or needle-like Si phase is thickened. The Si phases dominating in the shape of a filament or needle are transformed to those in the shape of a block when Er content is increased. Moreover, adding a small amount of Er can improve the wettability and hardness of the Al-20Cu-7Si brazing alloy. However, the melting temperature of the Al-20Cu-7Si alloy is almost unchanged when a small amount of Er is added.     

The Al-1 per cent Si/TiN/Ti interconnection scheme: Electromigration and reliability extrapolations

The electromigration performance of the Al-1 per cent Si/TiN/Ti metal scheme is investigated both for contacts and for stripes and compared with the results for the standard Al-1 per cent Si metallization. Statistical extrapolations at the operating conditions for a device have been performed to calculate the useful life of contacts and stripes. The results indicate that the most severe limitation to the interconnection reliability is given by the contacts without the diffusion barrier layer.     

High strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Ni–Si alloy with improved casting properties

Abstract

The casting properties of high strength Al-7Zn-7Mg-1Cu-3Ni-3Si(wt-%) alloy are described. Compared with common Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys, an improvement of casting properties has been achieved by adding elements (Ni, Mg, Si) that form eutectic phases, thus reducing the solidification interval of the alloy. A comparison of thermal cooling curves, castability and hot tearing tendency has been carried out for three alloys: Al-7Zn-2Mg-1Cu (structure consists mainly of solid solution), quasi-ternary eutectic alloy Al-7Zn-7Mg-1Cu-3Ni-3Si and the common casting alloy Al-10Si. In addition, the effect of melt protection against oxidation on castability has been evaluated. It is shown that the casting properties of the protected quasi-ternary eutectic alloy are significantly better than those of the common Al-7Zn-2Mg-1Cu alloy and that they achieve a level close to that of Al-10Si alloy.     

Ti-3Al-2.5V钛合金精密铸造浇注系统优化研究

利用数值模拟方法,研究了重力场和立式离心场下,不同浇注系统（顶-底、螺旋、径向和树形系统）Ti-3Al-2.5V钛合金铸件的充型和凝固过程及缩孔缺陷分布规律,并通过实际铸造实验,对铸件的机械性能及缩孔缺陷进行了检测。结果表明,重力场下的顶-底浇注系统氧含量波动范围大,不同浇注系统对合金力学性能影响不大,缩孔的模拟结果与实际铸造情况都吻合较好。相比而言,重力场下由于金属液的紊流更容易形成夹杂、钛豆、缩孔等缺陷,而离心场下由于离心力的作用,形成缩孔等缺陷的数量相对较少。     

铝合金汽车转向节精密铸造工艺研究

目的 对某铝合金汽车转向节的精密铸造工艺进行设计与优化研究,以得到合格的铝合金汽车转向节的精密铸造工艺方案。方法 结合铝合金转向节铸件的结构特征、铸件材料特性和铸造经验,在转向节铸件主体部和鹅颈部各开设一个内浇口,设计了铝合金转向节初始浇注方案;通过在初始工艺方案中铸件缺陷较严重的区域设置补缩冒口、在铸件顶部增设排气道等措施给出了铝合金汽车转向节的优化浇注方案,基于ProCAST软件建立了铝合金转向节精密铸造2种浇注方案的有限元模型,对铝合金转向节精密铸造的充型过程、凝固过程及缩孔缩松特性进行了数值模拟与分析。结果 铝合金转向节铸件初始浇注方案的充型过程相对稳定流畅,铸件在凝固过程中有孤立液相区的形成,完全凝固后铸件中间部位存在大面积缩松缩孔缺陷;优化浇注方案能够控制金属液的流动、充型顺序及凝固特性,铸件的整个凝固过程基本呈中间对称分布,最后凝固区域位于补缩冒口内部,最大缩孔缩松率控制在2%以下。结论 优化浇注方案的设计合理且有效,能够有效地消除铝合金转向节铸件的缺陷。     

Oxide bifilms in aluminium alloy castings – a review

Abstract

Aluminium alloy castings are most widely used in automobile industry because of their light weight, better castability and improved properties. The liquid aluminium surface easily oxidises during melting, transferring and pouring operation which may entrain oxide films into the casting. Research work has shown that the entrainment of this surface film and formation of bifilms in castings appear to be the source of most of the casting defects leading to a significant reduction in the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy castings. In this paper, the phenomenon of formation of oxide bifilms in aluminium alloy castings, effect of these bifilms on casting properties and their assessment techniques are discussed. For enhancing the quality of casting, research should focus towards development of process techniques for healing of bifilms in liquid metal during solidification.     

Modelling of Mould Filling and Solidification of Castings

An experimental casting for validation has been designed. The casting is composed of two 50×600×2.5 (width×length×thick) thin-wall pieces. One downsprue is located in the middle. A pouring cup with a stopper is used. This design allows to using two different types of moulds simultaneously. An Al-10%Si alloy has been poured at different temperatures. Two effects have been studied: one is the pouring temperature and the other is the moulding method (namely by machine or manually). The filling length is proportional to the pouring temperature. The influence of different moulding methods on mould filling is more complicated. The filling length in the manual-made mould is 1.5 times as long as the one in the machine-made mould due to the different thermal conductivities. Vents have little influence. A finite volume based computer code which can simulate fluid flow during mould filling coupled with heat transfer as well as solidification has been developed in WTCM Foundry Center.. The code can predict cold shut during mould filling and shrinkage defects during solidification. The simulated results are in good agreement with the experiments.In the second part of the paper, an example is given which illustrates how to use computer simulation to aid designing the casting system. The final computational result is compared with the industrial casting. The process of designing castings by using simulation is completely different from the traditional way. The computer aided casting design offers the possibility to obtain a sound casting from the first time.     

Tensile behaviour of two DO3-ordered alloys: Fe3Si and Fe-20 at % Al-5 at % Si

The tensile behaviour, including fracture modes and deformation substructures, of two powder-produced DO₃-ordered alloys having compositions Fe-25 at % Si (Fe₃Si) and Fe-20 at % Al-5 at % Si, has been investigated from room temperature to 800° C. The brittle-to-ductile transition temperature for the Fe₃Si alloy occurred at a temperature between 500 and 550° C, while that of the Fe-20 at % Al-5 at % Si alloy was approximately room temperature. In both alloys fracture occurred by transgranular cleavage at room temperature, with the occurrence of an increasing proportion of intergranular cavitation with increasing temperature. At low strains plastic deformation occurred chiefly by movement of perfect superlattice dislocations which, with increasing strain, dissociated to produce next-nearest-neighbour antiphase boundary trails.     

航空钛合金板胶接表面粗糙度的超声测量

采用一种新的超声频谱法快速测量航空钛合金板经喷砂预处理后的胶接表面粗糙度,并引入表面面积均方根粗糙度系数Sr来表征材料表面三维微观形貌．以航空Ti-6Al—4V钛合金胶接板为测量试样,超声换能器接收测试试样表面的反射回波,并计算得到AR参数谱．以反射脉冲AR参数谱和声波镜面反射理论为基础,建立了有关脉冲波声反射系数和表面均方根粗糙度系数Sr的数学模型．利用表面粗糙度系数理论模型．数值计算反射回波的理论频谱曲线,并与实测反射回波AR谱进行拟合．利用最小值搜索算法,处于最佳拟合时的表面粗糙度系数Sr即为试样胶接表面的测量结果．实验表明,超声反射频谱法测量结果与轮廓仪测量结果符合得很好,该测量方法在材料或零部件表面粗糙度在线测量中具有广泛的应用前景．