Modelling and simulation of bulk metallic glass production process with suction casting

Abstract

An integrated model, which coupled nucleation and crystalline growth with the heat transfer process, is presented in the present paper. The temperature, temperature gradient, cooling rate and the crystalline fraction of Zr₆₅Al_7·5Cu_17·5Ni₁₀ in suction casting have been calculated with this model. The results show that the metallic glass can be obtained at the bottom and the radial boundary of the rod sample, and that the crystalline phase precipitates in the centre of the sample. The crystalline fraction reaches the highest value of 0·0128 in the centre of the sample. Comparatively lower nucleation rate, as well as the higher viscosity and the cooling rate account for the formation of the bulk metallic glass.