Fast In Situ X-Ray Microtomography Observations of Solidification and Semisolid Deformation of Al-Cu Alloys

The aim of this paper is to report recent results concerning the microstructure evolution observed by continuous in situ x-ray microtomography in Al-Cu alloys during various treatments. These treatments include solidification and tensile deformation in the semisolid state both in solidification and in isothermal conditions. During solidification, x-ray microtomography allows measurement of various microstructure parameters and characterization of the physical mechanisms occurring at the scale of the dendrites. During deformation, liquid flow towards the deformed zone can be observed and quantified together with pore and crack formation in liquid films. These observations are discussed with reference to the formation of defects during solidification.