Comparison of Semi-Solid Contraction of Aluminum Alloys During Solidification Quantified by a Combined Numerical-Experimental Approach

A combined numerical/experimental technique has been applied to study the semi-solid contraction behavior of aluminum alloys. The semi-solid contraction coefficients of A319, B206, 1350, as well as strontium-modified A356 were calculated using a coupled thermal-stress model to simulate the temperature and displacement of T-shaped castings produced with each alloy. The simulation results show good agreement between the predicted results and experimental data confirming the validity of the methodology for specifying the semi-solid contraction. The technique has been used successfully to present a comprehensive analysis of the semi-solid contraction behavior of the investigated aluminum alloys, as well as useful material property data for macro-scale models of casting processes.Graphic abstract