Characterization of semisolid materials structure

A special tool, which offers direct visualization and measurement of complex structures and 3D relationships, was developed. Thixomet image analyzer capabilities for 2D and 3D materials characterization with examples of commercial aluminum-based semisolid materials (SSM) are demonstrated. The study revealed that the structure of these materials had been totally skeletonized. Therefore, a multiply connected skeleton of the structure is a key attribute of semisolid-forming (SSF) technology. Such a skeleton is an inherent characteristic for all SSM suppliers. Many technological problems cannot be solved without an understanding of the nature of skeleton formation and its evolution at all stages of SSM production. Thixomet software performs a total quantitative description of 2D and 3D materials structures, including 3D parameters of skeleton and real morphology of alpha grains. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All fights reserved.