Eutectic cell and nodule count in cast irons

Abstract

In the present work the predictions based on a theoretical analysis aimed at elucidating of eutectic cell count or nodule count N were experimentally verified. The experimental work was focused on processing flake graphite and ductile cast irons under various inoculation conditions in order to achieve various physicochemical states of the experimental melts. In addition, plates of various wall thicknesses s, were cast and the resultant eutectic cell or nodule counts were established. Moreover, thermal analysis was used to find out the degree of maximum undercooling for the graphite eutectic ΔTm. A relationship was found between the eutectic cell or nodule count and the maximum undercooling ΔTm. In addition, it was also found that N can be related to the wall thickness of plate shaped castings. Finally, the present work provides a rationale for the effect of technological factors such as the melt chemistry, inoculation practice, and holding temperature and time on the resultant cell count or nodule count of cast iron. In particular, good agreement was found between the predictions of the theoretical analysis and the experimental data.