Purpose: The goal of this publication is to demonstrate the laboratory metal casting simulation methodology based on controlled melting and solidification experiments. The thermal characteristics of the AM50 magnesium alloy during melting and solidification cycles were determined and correlated with the test samples' microstructural parameters. Design/methodology/approach: A novel methodology allowed to perform variable solidification rates for stationary test samples. The experiments were performed using computer controlled induction heating and cooling sources using Ar for melt protection and test sample cooling. Findings: Thermal analysis data indicated that the alloy’s melting range was between approximately 434 and 640° C. Increasing the cooling rate from 1 to 4° C/s during solidification process reduced the Secondary Dendrite Arm Spacing from approximately 64 to 43µm. The temperatures of the metallurgical reactions were shifted toward the higher values for faster solidification rates. Fraction liquid curve indicates that at the end of melting of the α (Mg)-β(Mg17Al12) eutectic, i.e., 454.2° C the alloy had a 2% liquid phase. Research limitations/implications: Future research is intended to address the development of a physical simulation methodology representing very high solidification rates used by High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) and to assess the microstructure refinement as a function of solidification rates. Practical implications: Advanced simulation capabilities including non-equilibrium thermal and structural characteristics of the magnesium alloys are required for the development of advanced metal casting technologies like vacuum assisted HPDC and its heat treatment. Originality/value: The presented results point out the direction for future research needed to simulate the alloy solidification in a laboratory environment representing industrial casting processes.
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Purpose: The goal of this publication is to demonstrate the laboratory metal casting simulation methodology based on controlled melting and solidification experiments. The thermal characteristics of the AM50 magnesium alloy during melting and solidification cycles were determined and correlated with the test samples' microstructural parameters. Design/methodology/approach: A novel methodology allowed to perform variable solidification rates for stationary test samples. The experiments were performed using computer controlled induction heating and cooling sources using Argon for melt protection and test sample cooling. Findings: Thermal analysis data indicated that the alloy's melting range was between approximately 434 and 640° C. Increasing the cooling rate from 1 to 4° C/s during solidification process reduced the Secondary Dendrite Arm Spacing from approximately 64 to 43µm. The temperatures of the metallurgical reactions were shifted toward the higher values for faster solidification rates. Fraction liquid curve indicates that at the end of melting of the α(Mg)-β (Mg17Al12) eutectic, i.e., 454.2° C the alloy had a 2% liquid phase. Research limitations/implications: Future research is intended to address the development of a physical simulation methodology representing very high solidification rates used by High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) and to assess the microstructure refinement as a function of solidification rates. Practical implications: Advanced simulation capabilities including non-equilibrium thermal and structural characteristics of the magnesium alloys are required for the development of advanced metal casting technologies like vacuum assisted HPDC and its heat treatment. Originality/value: The presented results point out the direction for future research needed to simulate the alloy solidification in a laboratory environment representing industrial casting processes.
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