Modeling and Simulation of Solidification in Alloys

A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701). This special issue belongs to the section "Computation and Simulation on Metals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 3810

Special Issue Editors

School of Advanced Manufacturing, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
Interests: high-performance solidification; precision forming; high-performance light alloy; amorphous alloy
School of Physics and Materials, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
Interests: high-performance casting; aluminum alloy; advanced casting technology; casting flaw

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the process of solidification, alloys mainly form two types of microscopic structure, dendritic and eutectic, and these two microscopic structures or combinations thereof constitute the microstructure of all metals after solidification. There are three methods for solidification microstructure simulation: deterministic, stochastic and phase field methods. The scope of this Special Issue includes the simulation of the solidification process of various alloys, including the processing and control of corresponding materials, their characterization, and ultimate performance analysis. The purpose of solidification simulation is to describe the moving solid-liquid interface in time and space—that is, to predict the integrity, solid fraction, and microstructure of the casting. In recent years, a variety of microstructure simulation methods have emerged. In order to accurately simulate the formation process of casting microstructure, it is necessary to establish an accurate mathematical model, and to have an accurate and efficient numerical calculation method to solve. Through the long-term efforts of scholars from all over the world, the simulation of microstructures has evolved from qualitative and semi-quantitative simulation to quantitative simulation, from fixed-point nucleation to random nucleation, from pure material microsimulation to the simulation of the microstructure of multiple alloys, and the mathematical methods applied to the simulation are also constantly being improved. For these reasons, there is currently some engineering significance in using simulation process guidance practices. In this Special Issue, we particularly welcome articles that focus on alloy simulation processes and their implications for eventual production.

Prof. Dr. Xiangjie Yang
Prof. Dr. Hongmin Guo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • alloys
  • solidification
  • microstructure
  • simulation
  • engineering significance

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 4107 KiB  
Article
Thermal, Mechanical, and Electrochemical Characterization of Ti50Ni50−XMox Alloys Obtained by Plasma Arc Melting
by Josiane D. Costa, Mikarla B. Sousa, Arthur F. Almeida, José A. M. Oliveira, Paulo C. S. Silva, José J. N. Alves, Ana R. N. Campos, Carlos J. Araújo, Renato A. C. Santana, João M. P. Q. Delgado and Antonio G. B. Lima
Metals 2023, 13(10), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13101637 - 23 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1099
Abstract
This study aims to manufacture and characterize titanium and nickel alloys with different molybdenum (Ti–Ni–Mo) contents, focusing on the influence of these additions on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. The relevance of this work stems from the lack of research on [...] Read more.
This study aims to manufacture and characterize titanium and nickel alloys with different molybdenum (Ti–Ni–Mo) contents, focusing on the influence of these additions on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. The relevance of this work stems from the lack of research on this specific alloy and the absence of reports in the literature with molybdenum percentages above 2 at.%. Ti50Ni50−XMox alloys were produced by the plasma arc melting method, with six different compositions (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 at.% Mo), and a comprehensive analysis of microstructure, chemical composition, thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical properties was carried out. The results demonstrated significant alterations in the microstructure of the Ni–Ti alloy with the addition of molybdenum presenting several phases, precipitates (TiNi, Ti2Ni), and oxides (Ti4Ni2O, TiO, and TiO3). The stability of the B2 phase increased with molybdenum content, and the monoclinic martensite (B19′) phase was identified only in the Ni–Ti sample. Introducing molybdenum into the Ni–Ti alloy generated the R-phase and shifted the phase transformation peaks to lower temperatures, as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated. Microhardness and elastic modulus decreased with increasing Mo content, ranging from 494 HV to 272 HV and 74 GPa to 63 GPa, respectively. Corrosion tests revealed increased corrosion resistance with increasing Mo content, reaching a polarization resistance of 2710 kΩ·cm2 and corrosion current of 11.3 µA. Therefore, this study points to Ti–Ni–Mo alloys as potential candidates to increase the range of Ni–Ti alloy applications, mainly in biomaterials, reinforcing its relevance and need in current alloy research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Simulation of Solidification in Alloys)
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23 pages, 25742 KiB  
Article
Optimizing the Gating System for Rapid Investment Casting of Shape Memory Alloys: Computational Numerical Analysis for Defect Minimization in a Simple-Cubic Cell Structure
by Carlos E. S. Albuquerque, Paulo C. S. Silva, Estephanie N. D. Grassi, Carlos J. De Araujo, João M. P. Q. Delgado and Antonio G. B. Lima
Metals 2023, 13(6), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13061138 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1043
Abstract
With the aid of virtual prototyping and casting numerical simulation, this work presents the optimization of an injection system used in a non-traditional investment casting process that applies perpendicular centrifugal force to inject the molten metal into refractory plaster molds. In this study, [...] Read more.
With the aid of virtual prototyping and casting numerical simulation, this work presents the optimization of an injection system used in a non-traditional investment casting process that applies perpendicular centrifugal force to inject the molten metal into refractory plaster molds. In this study, advanced techniques of simulation and production of complex geometries in Computer-Aided Design CAD (Computer-Aided Design) are used in the design of the casting system of a miniaturized simple-cubic cell structure. The cast part has a complex shape profile and needs a high surface finish with strict dimensional tolerance. The alloy used to fill the mold is an aluminum bronze shape memory alloy (SMA). CAD was used to model the part and the proposed models for casting optimization. ProCAST software was used for the numerical simulation of the casting process. Experimental parameters were used as input data for the numerical simulation. The simulation results were analyzed focusing on the identification of defects in the Cu–Al–Mn SMA simple-cubic structures. Different feeding systems have been designed to eliminate the identified defects. Concerning the molten recirculation, the optimal nozzle model has a truncated cone profile, with a larger radius of 6.5 mm, a smaller radius of 2.0 mm and a height of 8.0 mm (called here model 3). Experimental observations from cast SMA parts agree with the simulated results of the optimized nozzle model 3. In addition to the elimination of alloy recirculation with the nozzle optimization in this work, the shrinkage porosity at the upper base of the part was eliminated with the addition of a compensation volume close to the region where porosity is more intense. By exploring the possibilities offered by commercial software, the work contributes to advance the knowledge and application of the non-traditional investment casting process, highlighting its advantages and potential applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Simulation of Solidification in Alloys)
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11 pages, 19461 KiB  
Article
Elimination of the Stray Grain Defects of Single Crystal Blade by Variable Wall Thickness Based on Integral Ceramic Mold
by Zhefeng Liu, Kai Miao, Weibo Lian, Zhongliang Lu and Dichen Li
Metals 2022, 12(11), 1832; https://doi.org/10.3390/met12111832 - 28 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1207
Abstract
The stray grain defect is often found at the platform in the process of directional solidification of single crystal blades because local undercooling easily occurs in this area. A variable wall thickness mold based on stereolithography and gelcasting technology was proposed to solve [...] Read more.
The stray grain defect is often found at the platform in the process of directional solidification of single crystal blades because local undercooling easily occurs in this area. A variable wall thickness mold based on stereolithography and gelcasting technology was proposed to solve the local undercooling at the platform. The influence of variable wall thickness mold on the temperature field of the platform during directional solidification was studied via simulation. The numerical simulation results show that variable wall thickness can effectively prevent heat dissipation at the platform, thereby reducing the undercooling and avoiding the formation of stray grains. At the same time, the influence of molds assembly angle on the formation of stray grains was analyzed, and the appropriate molds assembly angle is suggested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Simulation of Solidification in Alloys)
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