Using ProCAST to Study the Effects of SEED Process Parameters on the Radial Temperature Distribution in Semi-Solid Slugs

Abstract

The SEED (Swirled Enthalpy Equilibrium Device) process was used to produce semi-solid slurries. One of the factors that controls whether or not a slug can be used to produce high quality castings is the solid fraction distribution within the slug, and the solid fraction distribution is strongly dependent upon the temperature distribution. In this study, a model has been developed using ProCAST to investigate the relationship between process parameters and the temperature distribution within slugs. The parameters examined included the heat transfer coefficient between the crucible and slug, the heat transfer coefficient between the crucible and air, the slug diameter, and the initial melt temperature (pouring temperature). It was found that the most important parameters controlling the temperature distribution within slugs were the crucible size and the heat transfer coefficient between crucible and air. Adjustment of other parameters had little influence on the temperature distribution. Processing parameters will be discussed in order to allow the SEED process to be used for the production of large diameter slugs (>100 mm), and for narrow freezing range (0.3<fs<0.5, fs is fraction solid) alloys such as 6063.