Semi-solid metal processing has proven itself as a method for producing cast-metal parts of superior quality compared to those made by conventional casting methods. Grain-refining aluminum-silicon alloys by adding Si-1B master-alloy has also proven to be a highly effective process. This project has two purposes. First, the microstructure of four semi-solid aluminum alloys are characterized after systematically modifying processing temperature and isothermal holding time. These four materials are: GR A356(Ti-B and Si-B), MHD A356, and UBE A356. Second, the thixocasting and rheocasting processing conditions are optimized for the SiBloy? alloy, which has been modified by a Si-1B master alloy. The goal of this project is to expand upon the existing knowledge base of the microstructural evolution of aluminum-silicon alloys and to optimize the entire process for SiBloy? alloy.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Arsenault, Mark Ethan

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 03D115M

Advisor

• Pan, Qingyue
• Apelian, Diran

Year

• 2003

Date created

• 2003-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright