The effects of processing parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of modified B390 alloy in direct squeeze casting

The direct squeeze casting of B390 has been investigated as a function of melt temperature and applied pressure. Commercial finite volume method (FVM) computer code for heat transfer analysis, MAGMAsoft, was used to simulate cooling curves obtained from the direct squeeze casting process. The experimental and modeling results are discussed, and the correlation between cooling rate and microstructure is studied. The effects of applied pressures and melt temperature on the formation of primary Si and Chinese scripts are also discussed in connection with mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.