Simulation of Infiltration of Molten Alloy to Porous Preform Using Low Pressure

Abstract

Metal-fiber-preform-reinforced aluminum alloy composites were prepared by the infiltration of molten metal using a low-pressure casting process. The infiltration behavior of the filling pattern and the velocity profile obtained for alloys fabricated by the low-pressure casting process was investigated. A thermocouple was inserted into the preform to observe the infiltration behavior. The infiltrations at pressure acceleration times of 1sec, 2sec and 5sec under a constant pressure of 0.4MPa were respectively complete in 0.4sec, 0.8sec and 1.2sec. Under these conditions, molten aluminum alloy successfully infiltrated on FeCrSi metal fiber preform by the low-pressure casting process. The porosity of composites was observed to determine their reliability. An automobile piston was developed with an FeCrSi-reinforced aluminum alloy that has 0% porosity using the optimal applied pressure and pressure acceleration times.