Theoretical considerations for thermal control over solid fraction of aluminum alloy slurry prepared by cup-cast method

Abstract

Currently, semi-solid metal (SSM) processing has been established as a common technique of manufacturing net-shape components. Among different techniques available for SSM processing, Cup-Cast method is a recently developed technique that produces semi-solid slurry with appropriate properties in the easiest way. In Cup-Cast method due to variation in the alloy and cup, solid fraction and heat transfer condition would change. Consequently, the process would be more robust if the suitable cup for specific alloy can be predicted. For this purpose a dimensionless number γ has been introduced to determine the fraction solid and its variations, and it also can apply to find the condition with homogeneous temperature in the cup. By calculating fraction solid variations as a function of the dimensionless number γ, suitable range of cup for experimental test can be predicted. ©2007 The Japan Institute of Metals.