Effect of Lateral Vibrations during Directional solidification on Mechanical Properties of Al-18%wt Si Alloys

Abstract

Experimental Investigation on the effect of mold vibration on the mechanical properties of Al-18%WtSi have been carried out using Taguchi Technique, as the molten metal at 750�C is poured in to the insulated mold which is subjected to lateral vibrations, directional solidification takes place due to the presence of chill at the bottom which gives rise to a functionally graded alloy. Due to the excitation, silicon present in the molten metal precipitates along its length. The castings are prepared with varying chill materials and chill volumes without vibrations and with a vibrating frequency of 50Hz. ANOVA was applied to optimize the process parameters. Hardness and Tensile test for the samples was carried out. Improvements in the properties can be attributed to the grain refinement of the casting prepared under vibrations. � 2017 Elsevier Ltd.