Effect of Process Parameters on Centrifugally Cast Al-Si FGM

Abstract

Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) are such kind of materials wherein the properties and structure are varied from one end of the cast to the other intentionally. Centrifuge technique has been used in this study to produce Al-Si FGMs. Several process parameters determine the microstructure and the distribution of phases in the FG casting. These parameters include the size and initial concentration of alloying element, the centrifugal force, solidification rate, cooling rate. In this work an attempt has been made to produce FGMs using three different process variables such as mold temperature, melt temperature and mold rotational speed, their effect on the structure and properties. For this study Al-17wt%Si is used. From the results it is seen that for a particular melt and mold temperatures by increasing the mold rotation speed enhances the segregation of the Si particles at the one end of the casting. Similarly increasing mold or melt temperature only, increases the segregation.