Challenges by latent heat calculation – Competition among analytical and computational methods

Determining the latent heat of multi-component cast aluminum alloys is complex. These alloys solidify within the mushy zone, with their latent heat release influenced by factors like composition, cooling rate, and microstructure. Techniques such as DSC and DTA, along with software tools like JMatPro, FactSage, and ThermoCalc, can determine this value, understand solidification parameters, and calculate latent heat. This paper introduces a novel approach using Newtonian, Fourier, and Energy Balance methods simultaneously, for the first time, to calculate the latent heat of pure aluminum and its AlSi7Cu1 alloy. These methods offer advantages in foundry conditions and require no specialized operator for data interpretation. Commercial software typically provides parameters for standard alloys only, necessitating alternative sources for accurate data. Thermal analysis techniques offer a reliable method to acquire missing parameters and calculate latent heat with high precision. Comparing the accuracy of these methods for pure aluminum and its AlSi7Cu1 alloy, using DSC measurement data and commercial software values, indicates successful application on the foundry floor to determine thermophysical properties accurately.