Prediction of Grain Size in Cast Aluminum Alloys

Grain refinement of cast alloys, especially aluminum–silicon and magnesium-based alloys, is an effective approach to improve the strength of alloys. Grain size is the most representative parameter used to characterize grain refinement in the industry, thereby attracting increasing attention for developing accurate grain size prediction models. In this paper, several important grain size prediction models under different adaptation conditions are reviewed. These models are obtained either by regression of experimental data or by physical/mathematical inference under certain assumptions of specified cases, focusing on the effects of alloy composition, solidification temperature gradient, grain growth rate, and fining agent composition, among others. The trends of grain size prediction models were also discussed. The results revealed machine learning as an effective tool to establish a data-driven prediction model of grain size in cast aluminum alloys.