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Influence of electromagnetic stirring on microstructure of AZ91-0.8%Ce magnesium alloy

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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.

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Correspondence to Liu Sheng-fa PhD  (刘生发).

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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

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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

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-006-0002-z

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