Comprehensive assessment and multiple-response optimization of serpentine channel pouring process for achieving high-quality semi-solid slurry
Liwen Chen, Jing Li, Weipeng Chen, Xiao-long Pei, Hua Hou, Yuhong Zhao
Abstract
The convenient serpentine channel pouring (SCP) process is advantageous in broad industrial application. The key technique is the fast and stable production of semi-solid metal (SSM) slurry with non-dendritic microstructure. It is critical to take the whole technological process into consideration so as to achieve the optimal performance of SSM slurry rapidly and steadily. The present study makes an attempt to analyze and evaluate SCP process by comprehensive considering of the microstructure, mechanical property and yields. The established SCP process prediction models adequately approximated the actual values. The dimensional response surface accurately evaluated the interaction effects between process parameters on the characters of SSM slurry. Two kinds of numerical multiple-response optimization criteria were applied to achieve high-quality SSM slurry. The microstructure analysis and phase-field modeling clearly revealed the grain growth and microstructure evolution mechanism for SCP process. The comprehensive assessment concept and multiple-response optimization method in this work may bring positive and directive significance for the mass-scale production and application of SCP process.