Rheological Behavior of Semi-Solid AZ91D Alloy

The rheological behavior and microstructure of semi-solid AZ91D was studied using a Couette type viscometer. The results show that the apparent viscosity of semi-solid AZ91D increases with the cooling rate increasing when it is continuously cooled and mechanically stirred and the empiric relation of the apparent viscosity with the cooling rate and solid fraction at shearing rate 93.7 s-1 is expressed as η=[0.66-0.63e(-ε/3.01)]e(fa/0.14), and with the shearing rate and solid fraction at cooling rate 4℃/min is shown as η=0.55e(fa/0.11-γ/87.59), as well as the cooling rate and shearing rate have an important effect on the microstructure of the semi-solid AZ91D alloy slurry, and decreasing the cooling rate and increasing the shearing rate are favorable to the nondendritic evolution of the primary grains.     

半固态AZ91D镁合金的压缩变形和显微组织

利用平行板触变压缩仪研究了电磁搅拌的半固态AZ91D合金试样的压缩变形和组织.结果表明:随着半固态压缩变形温度的升高,AZ91D镁合金试样变形的速度加快,即变形应变速度增大,但压缩应力不断下降;在某一载荷下,AZ91D镁合金试样压缩变形应力和应变呈明显的线性关系,与压缩温度的高低无关.随着半固态压缩载荷的提高,AZ91D镁合金试样变形的速度增加,应变速度增大,应力下降速度加快;在不同的压缩载荷下,AZ91D镁合金试样的压缩变形应力和应变都呈明显的线性关系.在实验中的各种半固态压缩变形条件下,初生α-Mg在压缩后AZ91D镁合金试样组织中的分布很均匀,几乎不存在组织偏析.当初生固相的形态呈球状结构,在相同的变形条件下,不同种类合金的半固态压缩变形规律非常相似.     

New Technique of Casting-rolling Strips for Semi-solid Magnesium Alloys

The conjugation of semi-solid process technique and casting-rolling technique applied to produce the magnesiumstrips was studied in this paper.The purpose is to gain the high quality magnesium alloy strips with non-dendriticstructure and to solve the processing problems of magnesium alloy strips to a certain degree.The project includes the following aspects:setting up an experimental device;preparing the semi-solid slurry;optimizing the casting-rolling techniques of magnesium alloy studying th…     

变形的AZ91D镁合金半固态等温压缩的力学行为

为了了解等径道角挤压(ECAE)的AZ91D镁合金在半固态压缩变形中的力学特征,利用半固态温压缩实验、Gleeble1500实验机和金相显微镜对其在半固态压缩变形中的力学行为进行了研究.结果表明:ECAE的AZ91D镁合金在半固态等温压缩中变形由固相晶粒本身的塑性变形、液相包围着固相晶粒的滑动和转动构成;该材料的真应力-真应变曲线由应力激增阶段、应力下降阶段、稳态阶段和应力增加阶段组成;随保温时间的增加或变形温度的升高,获得相同应变量的真应力明显下降,稳态应力和峰值应力也明显下降;随应变速率的增加,稳态应力增加.     

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3sf</Subscript>/AZ91D magnesium matrix composites fabricated by squeeze casting

The squeeze casting process was used to fabricate Al₂O_3sf/AZ91D magnesium matrix composites before thixoforging. The microstructural evolution process in Al₂O_3sf/AZ91D was investigated during partial remelting. Tensile mechanical properties of thixoforged automotive component were determined and compared with those of squeeze casting formed composites. The results show that the microstructural evolution during partial remelting exhibited four stages: the formation of liquid, structural fragmentation, the spheroidization of solid particles, and final coarsening. As the holding time increases, the size of solid particles decreases initially and then increases. However, the size of solid particles decreases monotonously as the temperature increases. Increasing holding time or temperature promotes the degree of spheroidization. It is also shown that the cylindrical feedstock of the Al₂O_3sf/AZ91D composites can be thixoforged in one step into intricate shapes in the semi-solid state. The tensile tests indicate that the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength for Al₂O_3sf/AZ91D thixoforged from starting material fabricated by squeeze casting and partial remelting are better than those of Al₂O_3sf/AZ91D fabricated by squeeze casting. This research confirms that thixoforging is a practical method for the near net shape forming of magnesium matrix composites.     

Effect of Holding Time on Thixotropic Fluidity of Semi-solid AZ91D Magnesium Alloy

To investigate the thixotropic fluidities, microstructures and mechanical properties of semi-solid AZ91D magnesium alloy during reheating, a self-made die set with channels of different sizes were used. The results show that critical forming forces and maximal forming forces could be obtained and related to the holding times in the semi-solid forming process. In the holding time of 0-2700 s, with increasing the holding time, maximal forming force decreased sharply and critical forming force decreased slowly. In the whole thixotropic flowing process, the filling-in was steady and the surface fineness was good. The forming force increased when the slurry changed the flowing direction or flowed from the big-diameter chamber to the small-diameter one. The tensile strength and elongation to failure of the sample after holding time for 2700 s, compared to as-cast sample, are increased by approximately 42.7% and 180%, respectively, and the fractured surfaces presented dimple-like pattern.     

电磁搅拌对半固态AZ91D镁合金组织的影响

研究了电磁搅拌参数对连续冷却条件下AZ91D镁合金组织的影响.结果表明:当电磁搅拌的频率达到或高于50 Hz时,半固态AZ91D镁合金浆料或坯料组织中的球状初生固相越来越多,越来越圆整;在电磁搅拌频率为200 Hz和冷却速率较低的条件下,搅拌的功率越大,半固态AZ91D镁合金组织中的球状初生固相越多,晶粒也越细小.在电磁搅拌条件下,AZ91D镁合金熔体的激烈流动导致较为均匀的温度场和溶质场、更加剧烈的温度起伏,促进了半固态AZ91D镁合金球状组织的形成.半固态重熔加热使半固态AZ91D镁合金坯料初生固相的形态发生进一步的球化.     

Compressive Deformation of Semi-Solid AZ91D Magnesium Alloy

The compression tests of semi-solid AZ91D Mg alloy have been conducted on a parallel-plate viscometer. The results are as follows. With increasing the compression temperature, the deformation rate or the strain rate of the specimens rises, but the compressive stress continuously decreases; the deformation strain is obviously linear with the compressive stress and independent on compression temperature under a given compression load. In the wake of the compression load being added, the compressive strain increases but the compressive stress decreases clearly; the deformation strain is obviously linear with the compressive stress under different compression load. The mathematical apparent viscosity model about the semi-solid compressed AZ91D Mg alloy has been established, i.e. ηapp=2004.2exp(15.61fs)γ1.317fs-1.3511.     

Three-dimensional injection molding simulation of AZ91D semi-solid magnesium alloy

Magnesium alloys are increasingly used in automotive, aeronautic and electronic applications to produce high performance, light weight parts. In the thixomolding process a semi-solid slurry is injected into a mold at controlled temperature such that the melt has specific flow behavior. This allows the fabrication of near net shape components with controlled microstructure and good mechanical properties. The numerical modeling of such applications present unusual challenges for both the physical modelling and the solution algorithm. This paper presents a 3D numerical solution algorithm for the simulation of the injection molding of semi-solid AZ91 magnesium alloys. The methodology deals with the shear thinning, temperature dependent viscosity behavior and is able to accurately solve the high velocity flows encountered during semi-solid magnesium molding. A segregated algorithm is used to solve the Navier–Stokes, energy and front tracking equations. The position of the flow front in the mold cavity is computed using a level set approach. Equations are integrated in time using an implicit Euler scheme and solved by stabilized finite element methods. The approach is applied to the injection of a tensile bar and the results compared with experimental data. The methodology presents the robustness and cost effectiveness needed to tackle complex industrial applications.     

镁合金体积成形进展

简要介绍了国内外学者、科技人员进行的ZK30,ZK60,AZ31,AZ31B,AZ61,AZ80,MB15等镁合金材料锻造、挤压方面的基础研究进展和一些简单的产品开发,阐明了镁合金从基本研究到镁合金产品产业化和商业化的发展方向.     

Energy Dissipation and Apparent Viscosity of Semi-solid Metal during Rheological Processes Part Ⅱ: Apparent Viscosity

This study investigated the rheological properties of semi-solid metal. An analytical model of apparent viscosity was built up based on analysis of energy dissipation during rheological processes such as slurry preparing,delivering and model filling. The rheological properties of SSM (semi-solid metal) slurry was described by an analytical model in terms of microstructural parameters, which consist of effective solid fraction, particle size and shape, and flow parameters such as mean velocity, fluctuant velocity and relative velocity between liquid and solid phase. The model was verified in the experiment of A356 alloys with a coaxial double-bucket rheometer. And the maximum relative error between the theoretical value and measured one is less than 10%.The results of experiment and theoretical calculation also indicate that the microstructural parameters and flow parameters are two major factors that affect the apparent viscosity of semi-solid alloys, and fluctuant velocity and relative velocity between liquid and solid phase are the key factors to distinguish between steady and transient rheological properties.     

Protective coating for magnesium alloy

A phosphate–permanganate conversion coating was applied as the pretreatment process for AZ91D magnesium alloy substrate. Zn–Ni alloys were electrodeposited onto the treated AZ91D magnesium alloy from sulfate bath. The morphology and phase composition of the coatings were determined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results reveal that the conversion rate depends on pH of solution and treatment time. Salt spray and the electrochemical polarization testing were applied to evaluate the corrosion performance of phosphate–permanganate and Zn–Ni coated alloys. It was found that Ni content in deposit is a function of current density and bath composition. Zn–13 wt.% Ni coating provides very good corrosion protective function to inner AZ91D magnesium alloy. Phosphate–permanganate treatment enhances the corrosion resistance of Zn–Ni coatings.     

Energy Dissipation and Apparent Viscosity of Semi-solid Metal during Rheological Processes Part Ⅱ： Apparent Viscosity

This study investigated the rheological properties of semi-solid metal. An analytical model of apparent viscosity was built up based on analysis of energy dissipation during rheological processes such as slurry preparing, delivering and model filling. The rheological properties of SSM （semi-solid metal） slurry was described by an analytical model in terms of microstructural parameters, which consist of effective solid fraction, particle size and shape, and flow parameters such as mean velocity, fluctuant velocity and relative velocity between liquid and solid phase. The model was verified in the experiment of A356 alloys with a coaxial double-bucket rheometer. And the maximum relative error between the theoretical value and measured one is less than 20%. The results of experiment and theoretical calculation also indicate that the microstructural parameters and flow parameters are two major factors that affect the apparent viscosity of semi-solid alloys, and fluctuant velocity and relative velocity between liquid and solid phase are the key factors to distinguish between steady and transient rheological properties.     

化学细化半固态Al-Si合金表观黏度及组织分析

为研究化学晶粒细化法对半固态Al-Si合金流变行为的影响,分别添加了Al-5Ti-B、K2TiF6、K2TiF6 石墨以及K2TiF6 Ti细化剂,在合金固化过程中利用Couette同轴圆筒式黏度计测量其表观黏度的变化,并观测不同固相分数试样微观组织.研究表明,化学晶粒细化法大大减小了半固态Al-Si合金的表观黏度,Al-5Ti-B细化效果好于K2TiF6,石墨或Ti和K2TiF6的组合较单一的K2TiF6效果显著.     

镁合金压力充型与凝固过程的研究

研究了镁合金ＺＡ９１ＨＰ、ＡＭ５０ＨＰ,ＡＭ２０ＨＰ和铝合金ＡｌＳｉ９Ｃｕ３在高压力下的充型与凝固过程,结果表明,镁合金的充型能力比铝合金约低２５％－５０％;随铝含量的递减,三种镁合金的充型能力依次降低。数值模拟结果显示,镁合金在凝固发生之前具有与铝合金相同的充型能力。     

热处理对AZ91D及AZ71镁合金组织及力学性能的影响

研究了热处理工艺对AZ91D及AZ71镁合金显微组织及力学性能的影响。结果表明,在AZ91D和AZ71镁合金中,温度升高,β相含量都是先增加后减小,400℃时合金中的β相几乎消失,完全由α基体相组成;硬度都是先减小后增加,235℃时硬度最大;耐冲击性都是先减小后增加,235℃时耐冲击性最低。     

镁合金微弧氧化陶瓷膜的微观结构、相成分和耐腐蚀性能

为获得耐腐蚀性优良的镁合金表面膜层,在含5 g/L硅酸钠、2 g/L磷酸钠和1 g/L氢氧化钠的复合溶液中,用自制设备对AZ91D镁合金进行了微弧氧化.利用扫描电镜和X射线衍射分析了AZ91D 镁合金表面微弧氧化陶瓷膜的表面形貌、截面结构和相组成.结果表明:AZ91D 微弧氧化陶瓷膜由疏松层和致密层组成,疏松层陶瓷膜疏松,厚度较大,且存在一些孔洞;致密层陶瓷膜与基体金属结合紧密,陶瓷膜主要由MgO,Mg2SiO4,Mg3(PO4)2和MgAl2O4组成.在3.5%的NaCl溶液中,微弧氧化陶瓷膜的自腐蚀电位为-1 390 mV,而镁合金基体的为-1 540 mV,表明经微弧氧化处理后AZ91D 镁合金的耐蚀性有较大提高.     

Partial melting behavior and thixoforming properties of extruded magnesium alloy AZ91 with and without addition of SiC particles with a volume fraction of 15%

A series of reheating-isothermal holding experiments and compression tests were conducted on pristine magnesium alloy AZ91 extruded by equal channel angular extrusion(ECAE) and Si C particles(a volume fraction of 15%) reinforced AZ91 composite(AZ91-SiC_p) by regular extrusion. Dissolution of eutectic compounds and partial melting of the α-Mg matrix occurred during the reheating of these materials. Spherical semisolid slurries of these materials were obtained when the reheating temperature and isothermal holding time were 550?C and 20 s, respectively. The presence of SiC_p in AZ91-Si Cpnot only caused lower liquid fractions of semisolid slurries but also resulted in higher values of flow stress during semisolid compression tests. Both AZ91 alloy and AZ91-Si Cpcomposite exhibited better thixoforming properties at high temperatures. Segregation of Si Cpdid not occur during thixoforming of AZ91-Si Cpcomposite after an isothermal holding at semisolid temperatures for 20 s.     

Constitutive analysis of Mg–Al–Zn magnesium alloys during hot deformation

The constitutive behaviors of Mg–Al–Zn magnesium alloys during hot deformation were studied over a wide range of Zener–Hollomon parameters by consideration of physically-based material’s parameters. It was demonstrated that the theoretical exponent of 5 and the lattice self-diffusion activation energy of magnesium (135 kJ/mol) can be used in the hyperbolic sine law to describe the flow stress of AZ31, AZ61, AZ80, and AZ91 alloys. The apparent hyperbolic sine exponents of 5.18, 5.06, 5.17, and 5.12, respectively for the AZ31, AZ61, AZ80, and AZ91 alloys by consideration of deformation activation energy of 135 kJ/mol were consistent with the considered theoretical exponent of 5. The influence of Al upon the hot flow stress of Mg–Al–Zn alloys was characterized by the proposed approach, which can be considered as a versatile tool in comparative hot working and alloy development studies. It was also shown that while the consideration of the apparent material’s parameters may result in a better fit to experimental data, but the possibility of elucidating the effects of alloying elements on the hot working behavior based on the constitutive equations will be lost.     

Role of plunge depth on the joint formation and mechanical behavior of Al6063-AZ91 dissimilar lap joint produced by friction stir welding

Dissimilar lap joint of Al6063 aluminium and AZ91 magnesium alloys was successfully produced by friction stir welding. Three different plunge depths (3.2 mm, 3.25 mm, and 3.3 mm) were adopted during welding. Similar Al6063–Al6063 lap joints were also produced along with the dissimilar Al6063–AZ91 joints for the purpose of comparing the joint formation. With the increased plunge depth, the width of the similar Al6063 - Al6063 lap joint was increased. On the contrary, joint width was decreased for the dissimilar joint with increased plunge depths. The dissimilar joint was formed with a strong metallurgical bonding between the Al6063 and AZ91 alloys, which is attributed to the mechanical mixing of these alloys in the nugget zone. Additionally, the formation of intermetallics was also observed from the x-ray diffraction analysis. The variations within the measured hardness values were higher at the joint interface due to the mixing of aluminium and magnesium alloys in the nugget zone. From the tensile shear tests, increased strength and decreased elongation were measured with the increased plunge depth. The results demonstrate the importance of the plunge depth on the lap joint formation between dissimilar Al6063–AZ91 alloys during friction stir welding.