Theoretical analysis of the particle gradient distribution in centrifugal field during solidification

A theoretical analysis is presented to obtain gradient distribution of particles in centrifugal field, by which the particle distribution in gradient composite can be predicted. Particle movement in liquid is described and gradient distribution of particles in composite is calculated in a centrifugal field during the solidification. The factors which affect the particle distribution and its gradient are discussed in detail. The theoretical analysis indicates that a composite zone and a blank zone exist in gradient composite, which can be controlled to the outside or inside of the tubular composite by the density difference of particle and liquid metal. The comparison of the SiC particle distribution in Al matrix composite produced by centrifugal casting between the theory model and the experiment denotes that the theoretical analysis is reasonable.