Phase-field simulation of microstructural evolution during preparation of semi-solid metal by electromagnetic stirring method

In the process of preparation of semi-solid metal materials, a variety of factors would influence the preparing time and the morphology of non-dendritic microstructure. The aim of this work is using phase-field method to simulate non-dendritic growth during preparation of Al-4Cu-Mg semi-solid alloy by electromagnetic stirring method (EMS method). Several factors such as the disturbance intensity, anisotropy, the thickness of the interface and the ratio of diffusivity in solid and liquid were considered. It is shown that decreasing the thickness of the interface results in more circular outline of particles, and increasing the diffusivity in solid can reduce degree of microsegregation. The disturbance intensity in the model can be connected with current intensity of stator or magnetic induction density impressed. Simulation results show that the larger the disturbance intensity or magnetic induction density, the more globular morphology the original phase in the matrix.