Directional solidification of A356 aluminium alloy under the interaction of DC magnetic field and electric current

R. Nikoluškins - I. Kaldre - M. Milgrāvis - I. Krastiņš - T. Beinerts - M. Kalvāns - A. Bojareviċs

University of Latvia, Institute of Physics, 3 Jelgavas str., Riga LV-1004, Latvia

Abstract
This article describes an experimental investigation and results of electromagnetic (EM) interaction during the continuous casting of the silicon-rich aluminum alloy A356. Directional solidification of aluminum rods with a diameter of 10 to 12 mm under the interaction of a moderate static magnetic field of 0.45 T and an applied DC electric current has been studied. The developed EM interaction drives a small-scale molten metal flow directly in the mushy zone, which impacts the heat and solute transport. However, this affects the microstructure and, in the end, the properties of the alloy. Tables 3, Figs 23, Refs 23.