Viscosity properties prediction of semi-solid aluminum alloys using finite element analysis based on quenched solidified structure, and experimental validation

Abstract

For predicting hot tearing during casting process, viscosity properties and constitutive equations in the semi-solid region are required. In this research, viscosity properties of two alloys, which are Al-5mass%Mg alloy with Ti-B grain-refiner and Al-2mass%Cu alloy with Ti-B grain-refiner, are estimated using the image-based modelling method as suggested by Matsushita et al. As to the mechanical properties of the solid phase in semi-solid region, it is found that by using the temperature dependent value rather than the value just below the solidus temperature, the prediction accuracy of the viscosity value in semi-solid region has increased. By comparing the obtained numerical properties with the experimental properties, it is found that the method can predict the viscosity properties of Al5mass%Mg alloy and Al-2mass%Cu alloy in the semi-solid region at the solid fraction where hot tears are likely to occur.