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Quantitative 3D Characterization of Solidification Structure and Defect Evolution in Al Alloys

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Abstract

Geometrically complex, as-cast, aluminum alloy components offer substantial economic and design advantages as compared with many thermomechanical processing routes. However, the occurrence of potential defects, including porosity, intermetallics, and hot-tears, remains an issue. Using these three defects as examples, recent developments in methodologies for quantifying defect evolution and microstructure using 3D images captured in situ via x-ray microtomography are discussed. It is demonstrated that 3D quantification techniques can provide significant new insight into the mechanisms controlling defect formation, and how microstructure morphology affects component performance.

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Notes

  1. This observation may simply be due to the resolution limit of the tomography scan since the particulates are known to block pore growth as well as to act as heterogeneous nucleation sites and create very fine microporosity.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the provision of beamtime and help from the scientists at the Diamond Light Source’s I12 beamline, especially T. Connolley, R.C. Atwood, and M. Drakopoulos, as well as P. Rockett for help with the design of the P2R rig. The authors also would like to thanks EPSRC (EP/F001452/1), M-ORS, and the Thai Government Scholarship for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BP, UK

    C. Puncreobutr & R. W. Hamilton

  2. School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7HS, UK

    P. D. Lee

  3. School of Engineering, Okanagan Campus, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada

    A. B. Phillion

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  1. C. Puncreobutr
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  2. P. D. Lee
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  3. R. W. Hamilton
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  4. A. B. Phillion
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Correspondence to P. D. Lee.

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Puncreobutr, C., Lee, P.D., Hamilton, R.W. et al. Quantitative 3D Characterization of Solidification Structure and Defect Evolution in Al Alloys. JOM 64, 89–95 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-011-0217-9

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