Effect of solid particles on fluidity of semisolid aluminum alloy slurry

Abstract

Semisolid processing is considered as an attractive and promising manufacturing method for producing near net-shape metal products that have reduced porosity and shrinkage. In this study, the fluidity of Al-Si-Mg alloy slurry was evaluated by injection into a spiral metallic mold. Image analysis showed that solid particles in specimens became small and spherical with increasing shear rate on the gate. Fluidity was increased with increasing shear rate, with decreasing particle size and with particle roundness. Furthermore, particle roundness has a greater effect on fluidity than particle size.