Investigating Metal Solidification with X-ray Imaging

In the last two decades, X-ray imaging techniques have been used increasingly to study metal solidification in real-time as, thanks to advances in X-ray sources (synchrotron and laboratory-based) and detector technology, images can now be obtained with spatio-temporal resolutions sufficient to record key phenomena and extract quantitative information, primarily relating to crystal growth. This paper presents an overview of the research conducted at the University of Oxford over the last 6 years as a partner in the UK’s Future Liquid Metal Engineering (LiME) Manufacturing Hub. The focus is on in situ X-ray radiography to investigate the solidification of Al alloys, including the formation of primary α-Al crystals, and the formation and growth of secondary intermetallic phases. Technologically, the thrust is to understand how to control as-cast phases, structures and element distributions, particularly elements associated with recycling, as a means to facilitate greater recirculation of aluminium alloys. We first present studies on refinement of primary α-Al, including extrinsic grain refinement using inoculation and intrinsic refinement based on dendrite fragmentation. Second, we describe studies on intermetallic phase formation and growth, because intermetallic fraction, morphology and distribution are frequently a limiting factor of alloy mechanical properties and recyclability. Then we present some of the latest progress in studying liquid flow during solidification and associated hot tear formation. Finally, future research directions are described.