Skull formation and change during ISM process of Ti-15-3 alloy

The change of the skull shape and size during ISM (induction skull melting) process of Ti-15-3 alloy was predicated through computer simulation technique and by comparison with the experimental results. The microstructure of the skull and the elemental line distribution in the skull were analyzed with optical microscope and EPMA, etc. The results show that the skull height and thickness become smaller with increasing melting power; the skull consists of zones, that is, fine equiaxial crystal zone and coarse columnar crystal zone; there are some segregation in the bottom of the skull.