Modeling of Inclined Cooling Plate Semisolid Processing by Model Alloy

Abstract

Continual improvement of product quality has been a long challenge to Semi-Solid Metal (SSM) technology. By conventional semi-solid processes, this might be attained at the expense of economical production. The advent of Inclined Cooling Plate (ICP) process has already realized the development of non-dendritic SSM while satisfying qualitative, quantitative and economical requirements collectively. In spite of its potential advantages, functional mechanisms of this process are not yet clearly understood that makes its optimal utilization obscured. Basically, such understanding needs a picture of the process. As the first step, this picture is pursued through physical modeling of the ICP process i.e. direct observation of an analog system by virtue of transparent character of a model alloy (succinonitrile-acetone). Based on this phenomenological model, a picture of the process is presented as follows: flowing molten alloy down ICP, multiple regions form typically on the plate i.e. a chilled layer at the vicinity of the plate surface, a two-phase mushy zone on the chilled layer and ambient liquid far from the plate surface. In this process, interaction of the liquid forced-flow with mushy zone separates solid particles from the stationary mush on the plate resulting in a two-phase mixture which is responsible for the formation of slurry i.e. SSM.