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Direct observation of particle flow in semi‐solid alloys by synchrotron X‐ray micro‐radioscopy
Author(s) -
Zabler Simon,
Rack Alexander,
Rueda Antonio,
Helfen Lukas,
GarcíaMoreno Francisco,
Banhart John
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
physica status solidi (a)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1862-6319
pISSN - 1862-6300
DOI - 10.1002/pssa.200925329
Subject(s) - slurry , materials science , thixotropy , aluminium , synchrotron , synchrotron radiation , particle (ecology) , optics , alloy , composite material , physics , oceanography , geology
The flow of a semi‐solid aluminium–germanium alloy Al–Ge32 (wt.%) into a thin cavity was monitored by in situ micro‐radioscopy using polychromatic hard X‐ray synchrotron radiation. X‐ray images were recorded at an acquisition speed of 67 frames/s using an indirect X‐ray pixel detector in combination with a CMOS camera. Liquid drainage and de‐/re‐agglomeration of small aluminium‐rich solid particle clusters – associated with the slurry's thixotropic behaviour – could be visualized. The technique and first results obtained are discussed in terms of their future application and possible improvements.Radiographic image sequence showing fast injection of semi‐solid slurry into the mould. Solid Al‐rich particles appear brighter than the surrounding liquid Al–Ge melt.