IN SITU HIGH SPEED X-RAY OBSERVATION OF THE SOLIDIFICATION OF AL15CU WITH AND WITHOUT AL2O3 COMPOSITE ADDITION

The use of a novel high temperature furnace in combination with a high speed camera capable of acquiring a complete 3D tomographic image in 3 s at DLC (Diamond Light Source) has enabled in-situ imaging of the formation of porosity during solidification, using monochromated X-rays. This study focuses on the comparative differences between Al-15wt.Cu with and without composite addition, and shows clearly the final stages of pore growth in 3D. Post-solidification high-resolution X-ray tomography was also performed to characterize the final structure, helping to explain the full mechanism of pore growth. Although at relatively coarse spacial resolution, the in-situ results demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique, and allow for the quantification of the rapid changes that occur during solidification.