Papers by Author: H. Wang

Abstract: A model based on the cellular automaton (CA) technique for the simulation of solidification microstructure has been developed. An improved solid fraction calculating method is used, in which the solid fraction of the interface unit is calculated by temperature compensation method combined with local equilibrium phase diagram. And then, a quadratic equation of solid fraction can be calculated according to the local temperature, solute concentration and curvature. The method avoids the assumption of the position and shape of solid/liquid interface. By using this model on A356 aluminium alloy, a dendrite growth process is simulated. The model can predict the final microstructure both grain size and grain morphology. It also predicts the Si concentration distribution in both solid and liquid phases.

Abstract: Drawbacks associated with permanent metallic implants lead to the search for degradable metallic biomaterials. Magnesium alloys have been highly considered as Mg has a high biocorrosion potential and is essential to bodies. In this study, corrosion behaviour of pure magnesium and magnesium alloy AZ31 in both static and dynamic physiological conditions (Hank’s solution) has been investigated. It is found that the materials degrade fast at beginning, then stabilize after 5 days of immersion. High purity in the materials reduces the corrosion rate while the dynamic condition accelerates the degradation process. In order to slow down the degradation process to meet the requirement for their bio-applications, an anodized coating is applied and is proved as effective in controlling the biodegradation rate.

Abstract: Multifarious fracture features, such as coarse rive-like, micro holes, rugged and flat fracture surface, were systematically investigated in the monolithic Cu46-xZr45Al7Gd2Agx (x=0, 0.5) bulk metallic glasses. The fracture planes presented different angles with the loading direction. These fracture features were completely different from the typical fracture characteristics of amorphous alloys, i.e. vein-pattern and fracturing approximately along the maximum shear stress plane. On the other hand, some tiny strips with about 50 nm intervals were also detected on the flat fracture plane. The preliminary discussions on the formation mechanisms of these exceptional features were presented.

Abstract: Computer simulation of semisolid structure formation is of significance in both understanding the mechanisms of the formation of such structure and optimization the solidification conditions for the required structure. A modified cellular automaton (mCA) model has been developed, which is coupled with macroscopic models for heat transfer calculation and microscopic models for nucleation and grain growth. The mCA model is applied to Al-Si alloys, one of the most widely used semisolid alloys. It predicts microstructure morphology and grain size during semi-solid solidification, and determines the effects of poring temperature and mould temperature on the final microstructure. The simulated results are compared with those obtained experimentally. The resulting simulations give some insight into the mechanisms about the semisolid structure formation in Controlled Nucleation process.

Abstract: The quality of semisolid casting largely depends on the formability of the semisolid feedstock. Despite of the semisolid casting process conditions, the initial microstructure of the feedstock plays a significant role in determining the metal formability under the semisolid state. In this study, the effect of initial microstructure of A356 alloy on the mechanical forming response in its semisolid state was investigated. A wide range of the initial microstructures varied from a very coarse dendritic structure to a fine globular structure were produced in A356 alloy using the Controlled Nucleation Method, particularly by controlling pouring temperature during solidification. Cylindrical specimens with 12 mm in diameter and 10 mm in height were compressed to a height reduction of 8 mm at constant strain rates from 1.39
10-1 /s to 1.39
10-3 /s. Strain rate jump tests were also carried out in order to evaluate the strain rate sensitivity at high fraction solid of 0.9. The materials produced with a low superheat exhibit a fine globular structure. They showed a very low compression stress in the semisolid state compared with the materials poured at high temperatures, which have coarse and dendritic structure.

Abstract: Water pump lid is selected as the automotive component to be cast using semisolid casting technology. Semisolid feedstock of alloy A357 was produced by a vertical continuous DC casting with electromagnetic stirring. Non-dendritic structure was obtained in the feedstock billets. A 6-station induction heating system was developed for feedstock billet reheating. Multi-stage reheating and well controlled reheating process resulted in a uniform temperature profile in the billet. Semisolid casting was carried out in a conventional high pressure die casting machine. Die design and casting parameters were adjusted to be suitable for semisolid casting. Compared with the conventional liquid melt casting, semisolid casting resulted in a much higher microstructural integrity with reduced shrinkage porosity.

Abstract: Bulk armorphous Mg65Cu25Gd10 alloy of 12mm rods were prepared by water quenching the molten alloy in the stainless steel tube. Neither cavities nor voids are seen over the whole range and no contrast revealing a crystalline phase is seen over the transverse cross section. The glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallization temperature (Tx), the melting temperature (Tm) and the liquidus temperature (Tl) are measured to be 419K, 492K, 702K, 735K, respectively, for the Mg65Cu25Gd10 alloy with a diameter of 12mm. These temperatures are similar with those of the alloy with a diameter of 8mm produced by metallic mould casting. Both alloys have the same Vickers hardness about 260. Water quenching can further improve the critical diameter of glassy rods, so it is qualified for the formation of the bulk alloys.

Abstract: A Cellular-Automaton Finite-Volume-Method (CAFVM) algorithm has been developed, coupling with macroscopic model for heat transfer calculation and microscopic models for nucleation and growth. The solution equations have been solved to determine the timedependent constitutional undercooling and interface retardation during solidification. The constitutional undercooling is then coupled into the CAFVM algorithm to investigate both the effects of thermal and constitutional undercooling on columnar growth and crystal selection in the columnar zone, and formation of equiaxed crystals in the bulk liquid. The model cannot only simulate microstructures of alloys but also investigates nucleation mechanisms and growth kinetics of alloys solidified with various solute concentrations and solidification morphologies.