Numerical modeling of the dispersion of ceramic nanoparticles during ultrasonic processing of A356-based nanocomposites

Abstract

The metal matrix nanocomposites in this study consist of a A356 alloy matrix reinforced with 1.0 wt.% SiC nanoparticles that are dispersed within the molten alloy matrix using ultrasonic cavitation and induction melting technologies. The required ultrasonic parameters to achieve the required cavitation for adequate degassing and refining of the aluminium alloy as well as the fluid flow characteristics for uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles into the 356 matrix are being investigated in this study using an in-house developed magneto-hydro-dynamics model. The magneto-hydro-dynamics model accounts for turbulent fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification, electromagnetic field as well as the complex interactions between the solidifying alloy and nanoparticles using ANSYS Maxwell and ANSYS Fluent dense discrete phase model and a particle engulfment and pushing model. A parametric study was performed which includes the effects of electromagnetic field from the induction coils and the magnitude of the fluid flow.