Influence of the electromagnetic stirring on globularization of primary solid phase in solid-liquid region

Forming of alloy and composite within a solid-liquid region, i.e. thixo-forming and rheo-forming, has been recognized as a technology offering several potential advantages over casting and forging such as a low forming pressure, reduction of macrosegregation, and reduction of porosity. In this paper, a globularization for primary solid phase by a forced fluid flow in melt due to electromagnetic stirring during solidification and isothermal stirring at solid-liquid region, was examined to produce Al alloy having a globular solid phase to get a thixotropic behavior. The electromagnetic stirrer was specially designed and manufactured to create all kind of fluid flow pattern such as a circumferential, vertical, helicoidally and contra-rotating flow pattern during the solidification of a melt. The size and roundness of primary solid phase of the quenched sample after isothermal stirring at solid-liquid region were measured with respect to a stirring time and frequency. The globularization of solid phase was enhanced with incresing the stirring time and electromagnetic flux density, i.e. stirring strength.