| Abstract Scope |
The prediction of hot tearing in aluminum alloys has evolved considerably throughout Prof. St.John’s career but the holy grail – quantitative prediction of cracking in semisolids – remains elusive. Although much of the physics of hot tearing is understood, we cannot yet easily predict their effects in combination. In this study, using the Direct Chill casting process as an example, the results from a series of criteria (strain-based, RDG, Kou, pore-fraction, and two-phase methods) will be compared in order to review and discuss our evolving ability to predict hot tearing. Future opportunities for advancement that take into account the concomitant effects of tensile deformation, shrinkage feeding, second phase particles, porosity, and alloy composition, will also be presented and discussed. |