Solidified Structure Control of Metallic Materials by Static High Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Recently, the studies on the effects of high magnetic fields on solidification processes have been paid much attention both from the fundamental and applied points of view. With the aid of the enhanced Lorentz force and magnetization effect caused by the remarkably increased magnetic field intensity, several interesting phenomena, such as the control of fluid flow and particle migration in a melt, crystal orientation, and phase alignment, have been obtained. Moreover, the magnetic force induced by the interaction of magnetization and high magnetic field gradient has been evidenced to show significant effects on the microstructure evolution of alloys. In this paper, the recent development of the control of the solidification process by high magnetic fields is reviewed from the view point of uniform magnetic fields and magnetic field gradients.