Numerical simulation of solidification kinetics in A356/SiCp composites for assessment of as-cast particle distribution

The present work is aimed at studying the effect of solidification rate on reinforcement clustering in particle reinforced metal matrix composites (PMMCs) through numerical simulations and experimental studies. A macrotransport-solidification kinetics (MTSK) model was used to simulate the solidification kinetics of the PMMCs. The experimental validation of the numerical model was achieved through the Newtonian and Fourier thermal analysis methods. Results reveal that the MTSK model can be successfully used to predict the local microstructural scales and to evaluate the risk of cluster formation in cast particle reinforced composites. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.