Microstructure and mechanical properties of Co-28Cr-6Mo-0.22C investment castings by current solution treatment

This study examined the impact of current solution treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Co-28Cr-6Mo-0.22C alloy investment castings.The findings reveal that the current solution treatment significantly promotes the dissolution of carbides at a lower temperature.The optimal conditions for solution treatment are determined as a solution temperature of 1,125°C and a holding time of 5.0 min.Under these parameters,the size and volume fraction of precipitated phases in the investment castings are measured as6.2μm and 1.1vol.%.The yield strength,ultimate tensile strength,and total elongation of the Co-28Cr-6Mo-0.22C investment castings are 535 MPa,760 MPa,and 12.6%,respectively.These values exceed those obtained with the conventional solution treatment at 1,200°C for 4.0 h.The findings suggest a phase transformation of M_(23)C_(6)→σ+C following the current solution treatment at 1,125°C for 5.0 min.In comparison,the traditional solution treatment at 1,200°C for 4.0 h leads to the formation of M_(23)C_(6)and M_(6)C carbides.It is noteworthy that the non-thermal effect of the current during the solution treatment modifies the free energy of both the matrix and precipitation phase.This modification lowers the phase transition temperature of the M_(23)C_(6)→σ+C reaction,thereby facilitating the dissolution of carbides.As a result,the current solution treatment approach achieves carbide dissolution at a lower temperature and within a significantly shorter time when compared to the traditional solution treatment methods.

Thin-walled and large-sized magnesium alloy die castings for passenger car cockpit:Application,materials,and manufacture

In order to effectively reduce energy consumption and increase range mile,new energy vehicles represented by Tesla have greatly aroused the application of integrated magnesium(Mg)alloy die casting technology in automobiles.Previously,the application of Mg alloys in automobiles,especially in automotive cockpit components,is quite extensive,while it has almost disappeared for a period of time due to its relatively high cost,causing a certain degree of information loss in the application technology of Mg alloy parts in automobiles.The rapid development of automotive technology has led to a higher requirement for the automotive components compared with those traditional one.Therefore,whatever the components themselves,or the Mg alloy materials and die casting process have to face an increasing challenge,needing to be upgraded.In addition,owing to its high integration characteristics,the application of Mg alloy die casting technology in large-sized and thin-walled automotive parts has inherent advantages and needs to be expanded urgently.Indeed,it necessitates exploring advance Mg alloys and new product structures and optimizing die casting processes.This article summarizes and analyzes the development status of thin-walled and large-sized die casting Mg alloy parts in passenger car cockpit and corresponding material selection methods,die casting processes as well as mold design techniques.Furthermore,this work will aid researchers in establishing a comprehensive understanding of the manufacture of thin-walled and large-sized die casting Mg alloy parts in automobile cockpit.It will also assist them in developing new Mg alloys with improved comprehensive performance and new processes to meet the high requirements for die casting automotive components.

I-DCGAN and TOPSIS-IFP:A simulation generation model for radiographic flaw detection images in light alloy castings and an algorithm for quality evaluation of generated images

The intelligent detection technology driven by X-ray images and deep learning represents the forefront of advanced techniques and development trends in flaw detection and automated evaluation of light alloy castings.However,the efficacy of deep learning models hinges upon a substantial abundance of flaw samples.The existing research on X-ray image augmentation for flaw detection suffers from shortcomings such as poor diversity of flaw samples and low reliability of quality evaluation.To this end,a novel approach was put forward,which involves the creation of the Interpolation-Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network(I-DCGAN)for flaw detection image generation and a comprehensive evaluation algorithm named TOPSIS-IFP.I-DCGAN enables the generation of high-resolution,diverse simulated images with multiple appearances,achieving an improvement in sample diversity and quality while maintaining a relatively lower computational complexity.TOPSIS-IFP facilitates multi-dimensional quality evaluation,including aspects such as diversity,authenticity,image distribution difference,and image distortion degree.The results indicate that the X-ray radiographic images of magnesium and aluminum alloy castings achieve optimal performance when trained up to the 800th and 600th epochs,respectively.The TOPSIS-IFP value reaches 78.7%and 73.8%similarity to the ideal solution,respectively.Compared to single index evaluation,the TOPSIS-IFP algorithm achieves higher-quality simulated images at the optimal training epoch.This approach successfully mitigates the issue of unreliable quality associated with single index evaluation.The image generation and comprehensive quality evaluation method developed in this paper provides a novel approach for image augmentation in flaw recognition,holding significant importance for enhancing the robustness of subsequent flaw recognition networks.

Microstructures and properties of A356-10%SiC particle composite castings at different solidification pressures

A356-based metal matrix composites with 10% SiC particles of 10 rtm were fabricated by stir casting and direct squeeze casting process under applied pressures of 0.1 （gravity）, 25, 50 and 75 MPa. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the as-cast and T6 heat-treated castings were investigated. The results show that as the applied pressures increase, the casting defects as particle-porosity clusters reduce and the incorporation between the particles and matrix can be improved. The tensile strength, hardness, and coefficients of thermal expansion （CTE） increase with the increase of the pressures. Compared with the as-cast composite castings, the tensile strength and hardness of the heat-treated casting are improved whereas CTEs tend to decrease in T6-treated condition. For the gravity cast composites, there are some particle-porosity clusters on the fracture surface, and the clusters are hardly detected on the fracture surface of the samples solidified at the external pressures. Different fracture behaviors are found between the composites solidified at the gravity and imposed pressures.

Performance of heavy ductile iron castings for windmills

The main objective of the present paper is to review the specific characteristics and performance obtaining conditions of heavy ductile iron(DI) castings,typically applied in windmills industry,such as hubs and rotor housings.The requirements for high impact properties in DI at low temperatures are part of the ENGJS-400-18U-LT(SRN 1563) commonly referred to as GGG 40.3(DIN 1693).Pearlitic in-uence factor(Px) and antinodularising action factor(K1) were found to have an important in-uence on the structure and mechanical properties,as did Mn and P content,rare earth(RE) addition and inoculation power.The presence of high purity pig iron in the charge is extremely beneficial,not only to control the complex factors Px and K1,but also to improve the 'metallurgical quality' of the iron melt.A correlation of C and Si limits with section modulus is very important to limit graphite nodule flotation.Chunky and surface-degenerated graphite are the most controlled graphite morphologies in windmills castings.The paper concluded on the optimum iron chemistry and melting procedure,Mg-alloys and inoculants peculiar systems,as well as on the practical solutions to limit graphite degeneration and to ensure castings of the highest integrity,typically for this field.

Numerical simulation and processoptimization for producing large-sized castings

3-Dvelocity and temperature fields of mold filling and solidification processes of large-sized castingswere calculated,and the efficiency and accuracy of numerical calculation were studied.The mold filling andsolidification processes of large-sized stainless steel,iron and aluminum alloy castings were simulated by using ofnew scheme;their casting processes were optimized,and then applied to produce castings.

Eliminating shrinkage defects and improving mechanical performance of large thin-walled ZL205A alloy castings by coupling travelling magnetic fields with sequential solidification

ZL205 A alloys with large thin-walled shape were continuously processed by coupling travelling magnetic fields(TMF)with sequential solidification,to eliminate the shrinkage defects and optimize the mechanical performance.Through experiments and simulations,the parameter optimization of TMF and the influence on feeding behavior,microstructure and properties were systematically studied.The results indicate that the magnetic force maximizes at the excitation current of 20 A and frequency of 200 Hz under the experimental conditions of this study,and increases from center to side-walls,which is more convenient to process thin-walled castings.TMF can break secondary dendritic arm and dendrites overlaps,widen feeding channels,prolong the feeding time,optimize the feeding paths,eliminate shrinkage defects and improve properties.Specifically,for as-cast state,TMF with excitation current of 20 A increases ultimate tensile strength,elongation and micro-hardness from 186 MPa,7.3%and 82.1 kg/mm^(2) to 221 MPa,11.7%and 100.5 kg/mm^(2),decreases porosity from 1.71%to 0.22%,and alters brittle fracture to ductile fracture.

Study and Application of Mold Filling Simulation of Shaped Castings

In this paper, an algorithm for simulating fluid flow and heat transfer for mold filling of shaped castings is presented. The main features of the algorithm include: 1) a simple but practical technique based on VOF method to determine free surface, 2) an explicit scheme of enthalpy to solve the energy equation more efficiently, and 3) an effective treatment to modify the flux deviation due to pressure iteration. In order to verify these methods, well controlled experiments have been repeatedly done with both water analog and gray iron pouring experiments to record the flow patterns and temperature variations. The calculated results are in accordance with the experimental ones. For the applications, the simulated initial temperature distribution right after mold filling was used to analyse subsequent solidification and to predict shrinkage defects. Actual castings were poured and tested in a foundry plant. The reuslts show that the defects predication with considering fluid flow effects is more precise than that without considering the effects.

Newly developed vacuum differential pressure casting of thin-walled complicated Al-alloy castings

The newly designed vacuum differential pressure casting (VDPC) unit was introduced, by which the capabilityof the VDPC process to produce thin-walled complicated Al-alloy castings, that are free from oxides, gas pore andshrinkage cavity and thus enhance overall part quality, was studied. Experimental results were compared with those oftraditional gravity pouring and vacuum suction casting. The first series of experiments were focused on investigating thecastability of thin section Al-alloy casting. In the second series of experiments the metallographic evidence, castingstrength and soundness were examined. Finally, case studies of very interesting thin walled complicated casting applicationswere described. The advantages of the described technique have made possible to produce thin walled complicatedAl-alloy casting (up to a section thickness of 1 mm), which is not practical for gravity pouring and vacuum suction casting.

Influence of shrinkage porosity on fatigue performance of iron castings and life estimation method

Shrinkage porosity exists more or less in heavy castings, and it plays an important role in the fatigue behavior of cast materials. In this study, fatigue tests were carried out on the QT400-18 cast iron specimens containing random degrees of shrinkage porosity defect. Experimental results showed that the order of magnitude of life scattered from 103 to 106 cycles when the shrinkage percentage ranged from 0.67% to 5.91%. SEM analyses were carried out on the shrinkage porosity region. The inter-granular discontinuous, micro cracks and inclusions interfered with the fatigue sliding or hindering process. The slip in shrinkage porosity region was not as orderly as the ordinary continuous medium. The shrinkage porosity area on fracture surface(SPAFS) and alternating stress intensity factor(ASIF) were applied to evaluate the tendency of residual life distribution; their relationship was fitted by negative exponent functions. Based on the intermediate variable of ASIF, a fatigue life prediction model of nodular cast iron containing shrinkage porosity defects was established. The modeling prediction was in agreement with the experimental results.

Numerical Simulation of Microporosity Evolution of Aluminum Alloy Castings

A mathematical model to calculate the size and distribution of microporosities was studied and coupled with a stochastic microstructure evolution model. The model incorporates various solidification phenomena such as grain structure evolution, solidification shrinkage, interdendritic fluid flow and formation and growth of pores during solidification processes. The nucleation and growth of grains were modeled with a cellular automaton method that utilizes the results from a macro scale modeling of the solidification process. Experiments were made to validate the proposed models. The calculated results of aluminum alloy castings agreed with the experimental measurements.

Research on the squeeze cast technology of the castings with large ratio of height to thickness

The squeeze cast technology is only applicable, at present, to the castings with a ratio of height to thickness less than 3.5. Researching the squeeze cast technology for castings with a large ratio of height to thickness will broaden the applicable range of the advanced casting technology. This paper describes a study of the temperature distribution during solidification for castings with a ratio of height to thickness of 7 by the methods of experiment and computer simulation. The shrinkage porosity distribution in the castings and the mechanical properties of the castings were also researched. The experimental and simulated results show that increasing squeeze force, or enhancing mold temperature, cannot reduce the shrinkage porosities in the castings. When castings solidify in a sequential manner and the squeeze force effectively acts on the surface of the liquid metal, the shrinkage porosities in the castings are eliminated and mechanical properties are clearly improved.

Modeling and simulation of 3D thermal stresses of large-sized castings in solidification processes

When heavy machines and large scaled receiver system of communication equipment are manufactured, it always needs to produce large-sized steel castings, aluminum castings and etc. Some defects of hot cracking by thermal stress often appear during solidification process as these castings are produced, which results in failure of castings. Therefore predicting the effects of technological parameters for production of castings on the thermal stress during solidification process becomes an important means. In this paper, the mathematical models have been established and numerical calculation of temperature fields by using finite difference method (FDM) and then thermal stress fields by using finite element method (FEM) during solidification process of castings have been carried out. The technological parameters of production have been optimized by the results of calculation and the defects of hot cracking have been eliminated. Modeling and simulation of 3D thermal stress during solidification processes of large-sized castings provided a scientific basis, which promoted further development of advanced manufacturing technique.

The EVA plastic film for V-process and steel castings by V-process in China

EVA plastic film is the key material for V-process. Through decades of research, special EVA film for V-process has been produced. The film has adequate elongation; its maximum is about 800% in longitudinal direction and 750% in transversal direction. The single width of the film is 2.8 m and the double width is 5.6 m, which is the widest sheet film for V-process in China. Sheets with different thickness ranging from the thickest 0.35 mm to the thinnest 0.08 mm can meet different demands in China. The film can be used not only for V-process of iron castings, but also for the manganese steel railway frog, steel rocking support and side frame castings for train and the steel bridge box for engine truck.

Preparation and tensile properties of DD5 single crystal castings

The preparation procedure of DD5 single crystal castings was optimized. The microstructure characteristics of DD5 single crystal superalloy were investigated by microstructure observation and segregation behavior examination. The results show that the grain orientation is optimized by constraining the spiral crystallizer in [001] orientation and spatial scale. Also, the γ＇ phase of inter-dendrites is larger and more irregular than that in dendrite arms. High temperature tensile tests of DD5 single crystal castings exhibit that the peak stress increases with increasing temperature, while the area reduction shows an opposite trend, when the temperature is below 800℃; meanwhile, when the temperature is between 800℃ and 1000℃, the fracture stress of the alloy is the same as the peak stress. The fracture mode changes from shear to ductile with increasing temperature from 600℃ and 1000℃.

Application of 3-D numerical simulation software SRIFCAST to produce ductile iron castings

Based on a method using numerical simulation equations and their solution schemes for liquid metal flows andheat transfer during mold filling and the solidification process of casting, 3-D numerical simulation software SRIFCAST wascreated. This includes enmeshment of casting; velocity and temperature fields calculation; displaying iso-temperature lines;velocity vectors and 3-D temperature fields on a Windows 9x operating system. SRIFCAST was applied to produce soundcastings of automobile and diesel engines, and also to connect with microstructure simulation for ductile iron castings.

英国Castings PLC集团选用Rosler公司抛丸叶轮

Castings PLC集团计划是给现有的批量式滚筒抛丸机安装Rosler公司的Rutten C抛丸叶轮,取代旧叶轮,使用优越的耐磨部件,获得更长的寿命,优化过程维护、抛丸时间、运行时间,确保获得更高的效率。Castings PLC集团是一家市场领先的英国铸铁生产和加工集团。该公司所以能持续地强大,主要是投资最新技术和最新工艺的结果。保持没有负债的资产提供了投资的灵活性,能够使公司商业机会最大化,从而为股东的利益,为客户和员工都创造了最大回报。使用罗斯勒（Rosler）公司的Rutten C抛丸叶轮,

Computer Simulation of Mould Filling and Solidification of Castings

A finite volume based 3-D computer code which can simulate fluid flow during mould filling coupled with heat transfer as well as solidification has been developed in WTCM Foundry Center. The code can predict cold shut during mould filling, shrinkage defects during solidification and aid designing the casting system. Several experiments of filling vertical plate castings have been carried out. A heat resistant glass window has been used to observe the liquid metal flow behavior. Although the plate casting has a very simple geometry, the associated flow behavior is quite complex. Mould filling experiments carried out identical conditions never produce exactly the same results. The simulated results of the mould filling sequence and the temperature distribution have been compared with experiments. A good agreement has been achieved. The code has been used in foundries. A real application example is given which illustrates how to use computer simulation to aid designing the casting system. Sound castings based on computer aid designing have been produced. The process of designing castings by using simulation is completely different from the traditional way. The computer aided casting design offers the possibility to obtain a sound casting from the first time.