Central Equiaxed Zone Research Articles

Laser powder bed fusion of Mg–Zn–Zr alloy: Formability, microstructure evolution and biodegradation behavior

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) was used to fabricate Mg–Zn–Zr (ZK60) parts, with a thorough investigation of processability by varying laser power and scanning rate. The combined effect of these parameters, which determines laser energy density, significantly impacted the forming quality of LPBF ZK60. Dense parts (over 99%) free of visible defects such as pores and cracks were achieved at a laser energy density of 74.1 J/mm2. The formation mechanisms of pores and cracks were extensively analyzed concerning the characteristics of the molten pool and subsequent cooling behavior. The LPBF ZK60 parts exhibited extremely fine grains, with an average grain size of 3.2 μm. Both equiaxed and columnar grains were observed, with a central equiaxed zone in the melt pool and a perpendicular lamellar zone along its boundary. Additionally, the Mg7Zn3 eutectic phase precipitated within the α-Mg matrix of ZK60. Immersion and electrochemical tests indicated that the XZ plane displayed superior corrosion resistance, attributed to fewer deformation regions and lower dislocation density. Furthermore, in vitro cell experiments confirmed that the ZK60 alloy possesses good biocompatibility.

Modeling of the as-cast structure and macrosegregation in the continuous casting of a steel billet: Effect of M-EMS

Mold electromagnetic stirring (M-EMS) has been introduced into the continuous casting of steel billets to promote the formation of a central equiaxed zone; however, the formation mechanism of the equiaxed crystals and the effect of M-EMS on crystal transport are not fully understood. Currently, a three-phase volume average model was used to study the solidification in a billet continuous casting (195 mm × 195 mm). The modeling results showed that the main function of M-EMS in this type of billet casting is to promote superheat dissipation in the mold region, leaving the liquid core out of the mold region undercooled. Although both, heterogeneous nucleation and crystal fragmentation, are considered to be the origins of equiaxed crystals, M-EMS appeared to impact crystal fragmentation more effectively. A small portion of equiaxed crystals could be brought by the M-EMS induced swirling flow into the superheated zone (upper mold region) and remelted; most equiaxed crystals settled in the lower undercooled zone, where they continued to grow and form a central equiaxed zone. These simultaneous phenomena represent an important species/energy transport mechanism, influencing the as-cast structure and macrosegregation. Negative segregation occurred in the central equiaxed zone, positive segregation occurred at the border of the columnar zone, and a trail of negative segregation occurred in the subsurface region of the billet. Finally, parameter studies were performed, and it was found that the shielding effect of the copper mold, electrical isolation at the strand-mold interface, and relatively high electrical conductivity of the strand shell affect the M-EMS efficiency.

Elimination of Primary NbC Carbides in HSLA Steels for Oil Industry Tubular Goods

Two high-strength low-alloyed steels alloyed with various Nb contents were prepared using continuous casting (CC) technology. In the round Steel 30Nb CC billet, it was the segregation of C and Nb in the central equiaxed zone that promoted the precipitation of primary NbC carbides at grain boundaries. After processing into seamless tubes, micron-sized primary NbC carbides were located in the middle of the segregation bands, surrounded by many nano-sized NbC carbides formed during the post-solidification cooling and/or hot-piercing rolling. Even when the Nb content was decreased down to 0.006 wt.%, there were still coarse primary NbC carbides in the segregation bands. However, no primary NbC carbide was found in the round Steel 30Nb billet prepared using the electroslag remelting technology. Therefore, this study revealed that a rapid solidification rate was relatively effective in eliminating primary NbC carbides compared with merely decreasing the Nb content.

Cast Structure in Alloy A286, an Iron-Nickel Based Superalloy

The structure and segregation of a continuously cast iron-nickel based superalloy were investigated. Cross-sectional samples were prepared from the central section of a 150 × 150 mm square billet. The microporosity was measured from the surface to the center and theoretical conditions for pore formation were investigated. A central porosity, up to 10 mm in width, was present in the center of the billet. The measured secondary arm spacing was correlated with a calculated cooling rate and a mathematical model was obtained. Spinel particles were found in the structure, which acted as inoculation points for primary austenite and promoted the formation of the central equiaxed zone. Titanium segregated severely in the interdendritic areas and an increase of Ti most likely lead to a significant decrease in the hot ductility. Precipitates were detected in an area fraction of approximately 0.55% across the billet, which were identified as Ti(CN), TiN, η-Ni3Ti, and a phosphide phase.

Effects of electromagnetic stirring on fluid flow and temperature distribution in billet continuous casting mould and solidification structure of 55SiCr

The optimal combination of current intensity and frequency of mould electromagnetic stirring (M-EMS) in continuous casting billet was a crucial compromise for improving inner quality of cast billet such as reduction in center segregation and porosity of medium-high carbon steel. In the present study, a decoupled three-dimensional mathematic model of electromagnetic field, fluid flow and heat transfer in continue casting billet mould with EMS has been developed, and the effects of current intensity and frequency on the system were also discussed. In addition, the industrial trials were carried out to investigate the magnetic field characteristics in the mould with M-EMS and the influence of M-EMS on the solidification structure of 55SiCr. According to the calculations and analysis, the optimal combination range of current intensity and frequency was 300–320 A and 3–4 Hz, respectively. The results showed that inner quality in as-cast billet of 55SiCr has been improved significantly with optimal parameter of 320 A and 3 Hz. For instance, central equiaxed zone increased from 19% to 33%, the center carbon segregation ratio decreased from 1.13 to 1.05 as well as center porosity has nearly disappeared.

Creep Deformation and Rupture Behavior of Single- and Dual-Pass 316LN Stainless-Steel-Activated TIG Weld Joints

Creep deformation and rupture behavior of single-pass and dual-pass 316LN stainless steel (SS) weld joints fabricated by an autogenous activated tungsten inert gas welding process have been assessed by performing metallography, hardness, and conventional and impression creep tests. The fusion zone of the single-pass joint consisted of columnar zones adjacent to base metals with a central equiaxed zone, which have been modified extensively by the thermal cycle of the second pass in the dual-pass joint. The equiaxed zone in the single-pass joint, as well as in the second pass of the dual-pass joint, displayed the lowest hardness in the joints. In the dual-pass joint, the equiaxed zone of the first pass had hardness comparable to the columnar zone. The hardness variations in the joints influenced the creep deformation. The equiaxed and columnar zone in the first pass of the dual-pass joint was more creep resistant than that of the second pass. Both joints possessed lower creep rupture life than the base metal. However, the creep rupture life of the dual-pass joint was about twofolds more than that of the single-pass joint. Creep failure in the single-pass joint occurred in the central equiaxed fusion zone, whereas creep cavitation that originated in the second pass was blocked at the weld pass interface. The additional interface and strength variation between two passes in the dual-pass joint provides more restraint to creep deformation and crack propagation in the fusion zone, resulting in an increase in the creep rupture life of the dual-pass joint over the single-pass joint. Furthermore, the differences in content, morphology, and distribution of delta ferrite in the fusion zone of the joints favors more creep cavitation resistance in the dual-pass joint over the single-pass joint with the enhancement of creep rupture life.

Influence of alloying elements on central billet quality of continuous casting

The influence of carbon content and alloying elements on the central billet quality of continuous casting has been studied. In plain carbon steels the higher central equiaxed zone (CEZ) value (the area, expressed as a percentage, of equiaxed crystals) is obtained for medium carbon content. For lower and higher carbon contents, this value becomes smaller. However, the decrease is more pronounced in the latter situation than in the former and it is associated with a deterioration of the central quality of the billet. A difference in the CEZ behaviour was found between plain carbon steel and low alloy steels. This difference can be explained by the modification that alloying elements produce in the percentage of material that transforms from δ-ferrite into austenite during the peritectic reaction.MST/796

On the formation of the central equiaxed zone in ingots

A quenching technique was applied to study the formation of the central equiaxed zone in ingots. Two alloy systems were studied, lead with 2 pct Sb and aluminum with 2 pct Cu. It was found that the central zone can be regarded as composed of two zones, one formed from the bottom by sedimentation and the other formed by the adhesion and further growth of crystals at the vertical solidification front. The columnar-to-equiaxed transition at the vertical solidification front is caused by the development of individual equiaxed grains and not by the remaining melt becoming more and more mushy. It is suggested that the branched columnar zone often observed in commercial ingots is identical to the equiaxed zone formed at the vertical solidification front.

The development of macrostructure in ingots of increasing size

A series of Al-Cu ingots ranging in volume from approximately 50 to 500 and to 5000 cc has been conventionally prepared in two ways, by normal chill casting or by using a magnetic field to control the convective currents. Comparisons allow us to differentiate among the various mechanisms proposed for the origin of equiaxed grains and for the columnar-to-equiaxed transition in castings: i) In normal casting, with the natural convection associated with standard superheats, the majority of grains is provided by the mechanism suggested by Chalmers (and also known as the Big Bang), or by crystal settling from a free surface as suggested by Southin. ii) If new grains, no matter how they may form, are inhibited from mixing with the rest of the liquid, no significant equiaxed structure appears. iii) Unless some special or preselected conditions prevail, other mechanisms such as those involving constitutional supercooling or dendrite remelting, do not seem operative in the formation of a central equiaxed zone.

Causes of cracking during the forging of bars

1. The columnar zone in forged billets of alloy EI 437B results in anisotropic plastic properties. In upsetting along the ingot (billet) axis, the metal is more plastic in the direction of the long axis of the columnar crystals than in the direction normal to it. The lower the temperature and the higher the amount of deformation, the more pronounced is the anisotropy. It is apparently a result of the difference in plasticity between the interior of the grains and the rigid intergranular skeleton. 2. Such an anisotropy leads to microcracks during upsetting of ingots and bars with traces of columnar structure. 3. To eliminate the anisotropic plasticity of columnar grains and the danger of cracking during forging, the process must be conducted within narrow temperature and deformation limits. These conditions, however, are not always applicable to the central equiaxed zone. Hence, the presence of traces of columnar structure in bars intended for upsetting to heavy-duty parts of complex configuration, is highly undesirable.