A quantitative model for describing crystal nucleation in pressurized solidification during squeeze casting

A model describing the thermal and mechanical effects on heterogeneous nucleation during squeeze casting of metal alloys has been developed based on classical nucleation theory. Squeeze casting experiments were carried out using an aluminum alloy, where the temperature change inside the casting during pressurized solidification was measured and the grain density at the locations where the temperature was measured was determined. By correlating the grain density and local thermal history, a quantitative function of nucleation rate with pressure and temperature was obtained. (C) 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.