Effect of Electromagnetic Power on the Microstructure and Properties of 2219 Aluminum Alloy in Electromagnetic Continuous Casting Technology

Abstract

Electromagnetic continuous casting technology serves as a significant means for enhancing the casting performance of 2219 aluminum alloy. Investigating the influence of electromagnetic field variations on the solidification process is crucial for studying the microstructure and mechanical properties of electromagnetic cast billets. Through experimental research, variations in the microstructure and mechanical properties were examined for ordinary direct chill casting, as well as three different electromagnetic power casting ingots. The COMSOL software (COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0) was utilized to simulate the temperature and flow field, enabling an explanation of the resulting performance changes. The results showed the effect on electromagnetic continuous casting technology by the electromagnetic field generated by the Lorentz force and melt stirring, improving the melt flow and temperature distribution so that the melt center and the edge of the melt forcible convection were enhanced, thus realizing the tissue refinement, mechanical properties, and Cu element segregation of the improvement. With an increase in electromagnetic power, the distribution of the temperature field was more homogeneous, the segregation phenomenon was more alleviated, and the improvement in mechanical properties was more significant. The optimal microstructure and mechanical properties were achieved at a power of 20.0 kW, with a 74.7% improvement in grain refinement in the center and a tensile strength increase of 30.8%. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in segregation phenomena.