About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T25: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Lightweight Composites, Materials & Alloys
|
| Presentation Title |
Microstructural Refinement Using Ultrasonic Processing of Copper-Chromium-Zirconium Alloy |
| Author(s) |
Kate Rader, Robert Meyer, Jaime George, Aashish Rohatgi, Ram Canumalla |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Robert Meyer |
| Abstract Scope |
An ultrasonic melt process, initially developed for aluminum alloys, was adapted to be applied to CuCrZr (UNS C18150) alloy. The goals of this ultrasonic process were to refine the microstructure; enhance the dispersion of the chromium particles, which are generally observed in a dendritic pattern; and improve melt degassing of the material. Considering the significantly higher melting temperature and density of the CuCrZr alloy compared to the aluminum alloys, process parameters such as ultrasound amplitude, duration, and sonotrode material were investigated. Due to the reactive nature of CuCrZr at elevated temperatures, especially at the melt-sonotrode interface, protective cover/inert gases were used to minimize oxidation and undesirable reactions between the melt and sonotrode during processing. Ultrasonic energy was introduced into the melt to successfully refine the as-cast microstructure, reducing the size of copper cells and chromium particles. There is also evidence that ultrasound may have fragmented the chromium particles. |