Effect of transverse static magnetic field on radial microstructure of hypereutectic aluminum alloy during directional solidification

The effect of different scales thermoelectric magnetic convection (TEMC) on the radial solidification microstructure of hypereutectic Al alloy has been investigated under transverse static magnetic field during directional solidification, focusing on the formation of freckle. Our experimental and numerical simulation results indicate that the TEMC circulation at sample scale under transverse static magnetic field leads to the enrichment of solute Al on one side of the sample. The TEMC and the solute enrichment degree increase with the increase of magnetic field when the magnetic field increases to 0.5 T. The enrichment degree of solute elements under magnetic field is affected by temperature gradient and growth rate. The non-uniform distribution of solute Al in the radial direction of the sample results in the non-uniform distribution of primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS). Moreover, the applied magnetic field can lead to freckle formation and its number increases with the increase of magnetic field. The change of freckle is consistent with the anisotropy TEMC caused by the anisotropy of primary dendrite or primary dendrite network under magnetic field. Finally, the mechanism of synergism effect of the anisotropy TEMC, the distribution of solute Al and the PDAS on freckle formation and evolution is studied during directional solidification under magnetic field. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.