Abstract
The solidification characteristics and microstructure evolution in grey cast iron were investigated through Jmat-Pro simulations and quenching performed during directional solidification. The phase transition sequence of grey cast iron was determined as L → L + γ → L + γ + G → γ + G → P (α + Fe3C) + α + G. The graphite can be formed in three ways: directly nucleated from liquid through the eutectic reaction (L → γ + G), independently precipitated from the oversaturated γ phase (γ → γ + G), and produced via the eutectoid transformation (γ → G + α). The area fraction and length of graphite as well as the primary dendrite spacing decrease with increasing cooling rate. Type-A graphite is formed at a low cooling rate, whereas a high cooling rate results in the precipitation of type-D graphite. After analyzing the graphite precipitation in the as-cast and transition regions separately solidified with and without inoculation, we concluded that, induced by the inoculant addition, the location of graphite precipitation changes from mainly the γ interdendritic region to the entire γ matrix. It suggests that inoculation mainly acts on graphite precipitation in the γ matrix, not in the liquid or at the solid–liquid front.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge W.Y. Yang and Y.R. Zheng for the assistance of useful discussions. The financial support provided by Ford Motor Company (University Research Program) is also acknowledged.
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Ding, Xf., Li, Xz., Feng, Q. et al. Microstructure evolution in grey cast iron during directional solidification. Int J Miner Metall Mater 24, 884–890 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-017-1474-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-017-1474-6