Improving the carbon macrosegregation in high-carbon steel by an electric current pulse

Abstract

Thus far, the relationship between the macrosegregation and refinement of solidification structures in metals is not clearly understood. In this paper, the effect of an electric current pulse (ECP) on the refinement of the solidification structure as well as carbon macrosegregation in high-carbon steel was investigated. The experimental results revealed that if central porosity exists in the solidification structure, the carbon macrosegregation in high-carbon steel cannot be improved by applying an ECP, although increased equiaxed dendrites and a reduced primary dendritic arm in a solidification structure were obtained after an ingot was exposed to an ECP. In contrast, after central porosity was eliminated, carbon macrosegregation was improved through the refinement of the solidification structure in high-carbon steel through the use of an ECP.