As-Cast Grain Size of Aluminum Alloys Refined by Al-Ti-B Master Alloys

Abstract

Grain refinement is a critical technology for the successful production of cast parts; whether that be preforms such as extrusion billet or rolling slab, or near net-shape castings. A refined microstructure has many advantages with reduced defects and improved mechanical properties. This article describes the approaches to the prediction of grain size in Al-alloys refined by Al-Ti-B master alloys. Included are empirical approaches based on the generation and analysis of grain size data, the development of analytical equations, and the use of finite element approaches to the prediction of grain sizes. It is clear that researchers have a good ability to predict grain size of Al-alloys grain refined by Al-Ti-B master alloys, although there are still some outstanding challenges, particularly in considering more extreme solidification conditions and poisoning of the master alloys.