Coupled Temperature-Flow Field and Microstructure Numerical Simulation of the Solidification Process for Cu-3Ti-0.2Fe...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Casting Technology

Background:

• Understanding alloy solidification is crucial for controlling material properties.
• Various cooling strategies significantly influence microstructure evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of diverse cooling conditions and pouring temperatures on alloy solidification.
• To elucidate the mechanisms governing microstructure morphology and development.

Main Methods:

• Simulating and analyzing time-dependent temperature, flow, and microstructure changes.
• Evaluating different cooling methods (gradual, water, air) and heat transfer coefficients.
• Assessing the effects of varying pouring temperatures (1100°C to 1200°C).

Main Results:

• Water cooling induced the highest solidification rate (2.71 mm/s) and a pronounced temperature gradient, favoring columnar grains.
• Higher heat transfer coefficients (5000 W/(m²·K)) increased columnar grain proportion and average grain area.
• Increased pouring temperature led to fewer grains, larger average grain radius, and a reduced fraction of equiaxed grains.

Conclusions:

• Cooling rate and pouring temperature are critical parameters for controlling alloy solidification microstructure.
• Optimizing cooling strategies, such as water cooling, can enhance solidification rates and grain structure.
• The findings offer theoretical guidance for improving the solidification process of specific alloys.