An experimental study of deformation of a columnar dendritic mushy zone using a transparent succinonitrile-acetone alloy

• Published in: Metallurgical and materials transactions. B, Process metallurgy and materials processing science Process metallurgy and materials processing science, 2002-02, Vol.33 (1), p.69-78
• Main Authors: SHEN, H. F, BECKERMANN, C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Phase diagrams and microstructures developed by solidification and solid-solid phase transformations; Physics; Solidification
• ISSN: 1073-5615; 1543-1916
• DOI: 10.1007/s11663-002-0087-1

Deformation of the solid skeleton in themushy zone during solidification of alloys is an important phenomenon in many casting processes, including continuous casting of varous steel shapes, and others. The deformation of a directionally solidified columnar dendritic mushy zone in a transparent succinonitrile-acetone (SCN-ACE) alloy has been studied experimentally. In addition to solidifying dendritically like a metal alloy, this alloy also has mechanical properties that are similar to those of metals near the melting point. The experiments are relevant, for example, to the deformation of a partially solidified strand during continuous casting of steel slabs. A test cell was designed which allows for directional solidification of the alloy and controlled compression of the solid-liquid mush which forms. Measurements during solidification and deformation include temperatures, interface positions, local displacements of the solid skeleton in the mush, and liquid concentrations. Results are presented for a range of initial test-cell thicknesses, deformation amounts, and deformation start times. The measurements are suitable for validation of future models.