Simulation of fluidity in AL-SI alloys

Abstract

In this study, MAGMA soft® commercial software package was used to simulate the fluidity of A356 alloy. Established an optimum mesh generation, the influence of important metallurgical parameters, such as heat transfer coefficient, casting temperature and coherency temperature, on fluidity were simulated. The simulation results were compared with fluidity laboratory tests carried out with spiral-shaped sand moulds and the results from the simulations were found to be consistent with the experiments. Therefore, this study sets a basis for more extensive use of simulations as a means for predicting and optimizing the fluidity of aluminium alloys. In addition, the results from the spiral-shaped mould tests were compared with vacuum fluidity tests carried out using an A356 alloy and the two techniques showed consistent results.