Effects of Electromagnetic Agitation on Crystal Growth during the Pure Aluminum Slow Cooling Process

Abstract

Refining grains are important to obtain sound cast billets suitable for further processing. The structure refinement of low frequency electromagnetic field (LFEF) during the aluminum alloy semi-continuous casting process has been confirmed by many researchers. In this work, effects of the electromagnetic agitation on the crystal growth were investigated during the pure aluminum slow cooling process. The results showed that the grain refinement effect by electromagnetic agitation mainly occurred at the first half period of crystal growth. With increasing of applying LFEF treated time, the fine grain occupied the whole section of ingot, and the ratio of fine grain zone to the whole section was proportional to the treated time.