| Abstract Scope |
Radiator fins require high thermal conductivity, mechanical stability, corrosion resistance, brazability, and formability after thin-gauge rolling. This study presents a computational strategy for designing high-Zn 3xxx Al-Mn sheet alloys for radiator fin applications, with consideration of recycled aluminum scrap utilization. Since scrap-derived impurities such as Fe can degrade thermal conductivity and castability, the effects of Zn and Fe contents were evaluated using the Wiedemann-Franz law, Matthiessen's rule, and Green-Kubo molecular dynamics calculations. Zn showed a relatively small reduction in thermal conductivity, supporting its use for sacrificial corrosion control, whereas Fe caused a stronger decrease. Solidification behavior of Al-1.6Mn-0.6Si-0.2Fe-1.5Zn was predicted, including primary aluminum formation and subsequent Al15Si2M4 intermetallic precipitation. Strip casting simulations further analyzed melt flow, temperature distribution, internal porosity, and phase evolution during roll solidification. These results provide guidance for developing strip-cast Al-Mn sheet alloys for radiator fin applications using recycled aluminum scrap. |