Effect of Ultrasonic Melt Treatment on Degassing and Structure of Aluminium Alloys

Abstract

Ultrasonic processing is known to be an efficient means of aluminium melt degassing and structure modification with additional benefits of being economical and environment friendly. This paper reports on the kinetics of ultrasonic degassing effect of foundry alloys. Direct measurements of hydrogen concentration in the melt by Foseco Alspek-H probe are used along with the reduced-pressure test. The effects of ultrasonic processing on structure, i.e. grain size and porosity, are studied using metallography and 3D X-ray tomography. This work is performed within the Ultragassing project funded by the European Union’s 7th Framework Program.