DEGASSING AND MICROSTRUCTURE REFINEMENT OF SHAPE CASTING ALUMINUM ALLOYS

摘要

A degassing and grain refinement system for a cast aluminum-based component and a method of achieving both hydrogen gas presence reduction and grain size reduction in a cast aluminum-based component. Ultrasonic vibrations are imparted to both the liquid metal travel path from its source to the mold to achieve the reduction in hydrogen gas in the molten metal, as well as to one or more locations within the mold to achieve relatively small and equiaxed grains in the component upon solidification.

主权项

1. A degassing and grain refinement system for a cast aluminum-based component, said system comprising:
a molten metal conveyance assembly configured to fluidly couple a source of said molten metal to a mold with a shape therein that substantially defines said component; and an apparatus cooperative with said conveyance assembly to impart ultrasonic vibrations thereto such that during at least a portion of its travel path between said source and said mold, said molten metal experiences reductions in hydrogen gas presence therein relative to no such vibrations being present, and further such that during a subsequent solidification of said molten metal in said mold, at least a portion of said component exhibits reductions in grain size relative to no such vibrations being present.