Solidification Conditions and Microstructure in Continuously Cast Aluminum

Abstract

The well-known relationship between cell size or dendrite spacing and local solidification time gives the possibility of calculating the thermal parameters of solidification from the microstructure of the as-cast product. As a basis for such calculations, the dendrite spacing of different aluminum castings (DC cast ingots of different diameters, cast in conventional and electromagnetic molds; cast strip from roll casters, belt casters, and block casters; and Properzi cast rod) has been measured through their cross sections. Based on these measurements, a qualitative discussion of the thermal conditions during the solidification of these products is given, and the influence of a variation in the casting conditions discussed.