30.01.2013 Views

Thixoforming : Semi-solid Metal Processing

Thixoforming : Semi-solid Metal Processing

Thixoforming : Semi-solid Metal Processing

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

6.1 Empirical Analysis of the Flow Behaviourj171<br />

Figure 6.3 Structural changes and corresponding viscosity changes as a function of shear rate.<br />

can reach such stability that it is able to withstand its own weight and can be handled<br />

like a <strong>solid</strong>. As soon as shear is applied, the network in the billet breaks up and the<br />

material starts to flow. These structural changes of the <strong>solid</strong> phase are reflected by the<br />

time-dependant flow properties. Quaak et al. [10] proposed a two-step model to<br />

describe the structural evolution during a shear rate jump and a shear rate drop.<br />

The influence of particle diameter on the viscosity is clearly visible on taking a<br />

closer look at the procedure to generate the metallic suspension in a rotational<br />

rheometer, subsequently called material preparation (Figure 6.4). First, the alloy is<br />

completely liquefied. The subsequent cooling down to the semi-<strong>solid</strong> state (section I)<br />

is followed by an isothermal shearing period of 3 h (sections II and III). During this<br />

time, Ostwald ripening (larger particles grow at the expense of smaller ones) takes<br />

place, leading to a continuous decay in viscosity. This phenomenon just occurs in a<br />

rotational rheometer where the experimental time is orders of magnitude higher<br />

than in capillary rheometers or compression tests. Ostwald ripening overlaps each<br />

Figure 6.4 Ostwald ripening during material preparation, exemplarily shown for tin–lead.

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!