Eutectic Cell and Nodule Count in Cast Iron

Part II. Experimental Verification

Abstract

In this work the predictions of a proposed theoretical analysis aimed at elucidating eutectic cell counts, N in gray iron cast and nodule counts, N_n in ductile iron were experimentally verified. The work was focused on processing flake graphite and ductile cast iron under various inoculation conditions in order to achieve various physicochemical states in the experimental melts. In addition, plates of various wall thicknesses were cast and the resultant eutectic cell N and nodule N_n count were established. Moreover, thermal analysis was employed for determinations of the maximum degree of graphite eutectic undercooling, ΔT_m. A comparison was made between the theoretical predictions and the experimental determinations of eutectic cells, N, nodule counts, N_n and ΔT_m. It was found that N and N_n can be related to the casting modulus, M and as a consequence to the wall thickness, s in plate shaped castings. In particular, the outcome of this work indicates that the predictions of the theoretical analysis are in good agreement with the experimental outcome.