A Solidification Model with Application to AlSi-Based Alloys

摘要

The behavior of a cast component under service conditions depends primarily on its local microstructural features, such as the amount and morphology of phases and chemical compounds precipitating during the solidification process. Therefore, developing a good understanding between the influencing factors (chemical composition of the alloy and cooling conditions) and the solidification path is of great importance for establishing the casting process conducive to desired results. Because the solidification path of commercial AlSi-based alloys is quite complex, predictive capabilities for this type of alloys have been developed and incorporated into the commercial casting simulation software FLOW-3D® CAST. Models for quantitative description of the precipitation reactions, their temperature range, precipitation rate of phases and compounds, as well as the secondary den-drite arm spacing in relation to the chemical composition and cooling conditions are presented in this chapter. Comparisons of predicted microstructure with experimental measurements on a test casting are also discussed.