Abstract
The influence of non-contact ultrasonic vibration on the solidification of gray and ductile irons has been evaluated with and without inoculation. Conventional instrumented cooling curve analysis samples were cast under a wide range of non-contact acoustic stimulation conditions. Ultrasonic frequencies between 17 and 18 kHz were evaluated at transducer power ratings of 1800–3600 Watts with various horn designs. The air gap between the ultrasonic actuator and the surface of the solidifying metal was varied from 11–38 mm. The resultant solidification cooling curves as well as the microstructure after solidification were evaluated. Ultrasonic treatment of gray irons resulted in only slight changes in graphite morphology. However, in some cases, ultrasonic treatment of uninoculated gray iron changed the graphite shape from undercooled type D graphite to type A graphite. Ductile irons subjected to ultrasonic treatment showed a slight increase in nodule count and nodularity. Also, ultrasonic treatments resulted in a minor increase in overall solidification time. Further work is needed to identify the specific non-contact acoustic conditions that will have a significant effect on cast iron solidification behavior.
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Voigt, R., Lynch, P. & Grenko, T. Cast Iron Solidification with Non-Contact Acoustic Stimulation. Inter Metalcast 3, 79–86 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03355461
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03355461