Shrinkage porosity and its relation to solidification structure of grey cast iron parts

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to investigate the relation between shrinkage porosity and the macrostructure. Based on results from an earlier investigation regarding shrinkage porosity and its characteristic features, a test casting was developed. The macrostructure was preserved using direct austempering after solidification heat treatment. Shrinkage porosity was found in regions where it was designed to occur. It was also found that this type of porosity is connected to the atmosphere via defects located on the surface, confirming earlier findings. Beneath the surface, it extends as a three-dimensional network through the casting. The shrinkage porosity was, in some cases, found along the boundaries separating primary crystals, and in some cases, it encircled separate primary crystals. A shrinkage porosity formation mechanism is proposed based on these observations, discussing the importance of a rigid columnar zone, movement of a local thermal centre and how pressure differences developing during solidification influence the formation of shrinkage porosity.