Date of Award

2014

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.Sc.

Department

Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering

Keywords

Applied sciences, High pressure, Microstructural analysis, Squeeze casting, Thermal analysis

Supervisor

Sokolowski, Jerry H.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

The effect of cyclic pressure on the thermal and microstructural behaviour of the A356 alloy and the addition of commercial Al-Sr Master Alloy, Nano Alumina Master Alloy and a combination of both Master Alloys during the squeeze casting was investigated in this study. The results show that the α-dendrite growth temperature was increased and the Al-Si eutectic growth temperature was decreased substantially, resulting in a super refined, as-cast, equiaxed α-Al cells and ultra fine dendritic eutectic Si in the modified and unmodified A356 aluminum alloy. Moreover, very rapid spheroidization of the Si particles was observed within a very short Solution Treatment time (15min) of the squeeze cast unmodified and Sr modified A356 alloy. It is expected that the results of this study will lead to a number of further fundamental and applied research rendering new alloys and technology.

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