Abstract
Effect of electromagnetic stirring on microstructure of AZ91-0.8%Ce magnesium alloy was investigated. The results show that electromagnetic stirring causes a change of morphology of α-Mg phase from coarse dendrites to fine rosette-like or spherical shape. Grain size is significantly refined within the range of input voltage 75–125 V, moreover, the optimum input voltage corresponded to the minimum value (64 μ m) of grain size is 125 V. Compared to the non-stirred condition, the amount of β-Mg17Al12 precipitate under the stirred condition obviously increases. The grain refinement of AZ91-0.8%Ce alloy is mainly attributed to multiplication of existing grains in the melt caused by forced fluid flow under electromagnetic stirring condition. Addition of 0.8% Ce results in the formation of ‘necking’ at secondary dendrite arm roots of α-Mg crystals, and consequently, it is helpful to increase the number of heterogeneous nucleation.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Polmear I J. Magnesium alloys and applications[J]. Mater Sci Tech, 1994, 10(1): 1–16.
Mordike B L, Ebert T. Magnesium-properties-application-potential[J]. Mater Sci Eng, 2001, A302: 37–45.
Vinarcik E J. Light metal advances in the automotive industry[J]. Light Metal Age, 2001, 59(3/4): 74–77.
Mager S D M. A global review of magnesium parts in automobiles[J]. Light Metal Age, 1996, 54(9/10): 60–63.
Bamberger M. Structural refinement of cast magnesium alloys[J]. Mater Sci Tech, 2001, 17(1): 15–24.
Stjohn D H, Ma Q, Easton M A, et al. Grain refinement of magnesium alloys[J]. Metall Mater Trans, 2005, 36A(7): 1669–1678.
Tamura Y. Grain refining mechanism and casting structure of Mg-Zr alloy[J]. Japan Institute of Light Metals, 1998, 48(8): 185–189.
Tamura Y, Kono N, Motigi T, et al. Grain refinement of cast Mg-Al alloys[J]. Japan Institute of Light Metals, 1998, 48(4): 395–399.
Jung B I, Jung C H, Han T K, et al. Electromagnetic stirring and Sr modification in A356 alloy[J]. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 2001, 111: 69–73.
ZHANG Shi-chang, WEI Bo-kang, CAI Qi-zhou, et al. Effect of mischmetal and yttrium on microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg-Al alloy[J]. Trans Nonferrous Met Soc China, 2003, 13(1): 83–87.
Wei L Y. The solidification behavior of Mg-Al-Rare earth alloys[J]. J Alloys and Compounds, 1996, 232(1/2): 264–268.
Wei L Y. Development of misconstrue in cast Mg-Al-rare earth alloys[J]. Mater Sci Tech, 1996, 12(9): 741–750.
Pettersen G. Microstructure of a pressure die cast magnesium-4% aluminium alloy modified with rare earth additions[J]. Mater Sci Eng, 1996, A207: 115–120.
Pettersen K, Lohne O, Ryum N. Dendritic solidification of magnesium alloy AZ91[J]. Metallurgical Trans, 1999, A21(1): 221–230.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Foundation item: Project(2004ABA110) supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province; project(471-38300843) supported by the Research Foundation for the Doctoral Program of Wuhan University of Technology
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Liu, Sf., Kang, Lg., Han, H. et al. Influence of electromagnetic stirring on microstructure of AZ91-0.8%Ce magnesium alloy. J Cent. South Univ. Technol. 13, 613–617 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-006-0002-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-006-0002-z