Abstract
The present study details the micro-scale silicon carbide particle (m-SiCp) homogeneous distribution in an A356 alloy through hybrid ultrasonic-stirring melt treatment under different operation conditions. Ultrasonically excited fluids were studied by particle image velocimetry to estimate the efficiency of the acoustic streaming in different distances to the sonotrode. Distinct particle approaches to introduce the melt and stirring techniques were performed to determine a successful route to promote a homogenous distribution of reinforcement particles. Results showed that the addition of m-SiCp in the semisolid state significantly improved particle wettability, preventing rapid sedimentation. The combination of ultrasonic induced streaming and mechanical stirring is an effective tool for the homogeneous distribution of m-SiCp along the casting specimen.
Highlights
In recent years, increasingly restrictive regulations regarding air pollution [1] have been imposing reductions on fuel consumption and emissions, leading to the demand for lightweight vehicle production [2]
3: micro-scale silicon carbide particle (m-SiCp) added a semisolid was performed for 1 min isothermally at 700 °C; and (iii) Condition 3: m‐SiCp added in a semisolid state and US vibration and mechanical stirring were performed for 2 min isothermally at 700 °C
The correlation of the studied variables allows for the establishment of some fundamental guidelines for the introduction of m-SiCp to promote a homogenous distribution of reinforcement particles in Al melt alloys
Summary
Increasingly restrictive regulations regarding air pollution [1] have been imposing reductions on fuel consumption and emissions, leading to the demand for lightweight vehicle production [2]. Despite its attractive low cost and potential to be scalable [16], it has reported drawbacks such as non-homogeneous particle dispersion [17,18] and weak interface bonding between particles and the metal matrix [19,20]. This makes it an inefficient way to manufacture high performance micro-reinforced components, which commonly leads to the partial incorporation of the particles in the molten metal.
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