In the present paper, the effect of cooling slope casting (CSC) parameters,
typically, pouring temperature (T), cooling slope length (L) and tilt angle
(è), on the microstructure of A356 cast aluminum alloyswas studied. The
analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical technique wascarried out to explain
the relationship between the aforementioned parameters and the
microstructure variablesof the á-Al primary phase such as theshape factor
(SF) and the grain size (GS). The uniformity of the microstructure in both
the axialand radial positions of the ingots wasalso evaluated. The results
revealedthatthe tilt angle has the highest significant effect on both shape
factor and grain size. The shape factor exhibited maximum value ofabout
0.812for ingotspouredat è= 30o, L = 300 mm, T= 630 oC. The minimum
grain size was about32.85 µm for ingots casted at è= 60o, L = 200 mm,T =
630 oC. Ingots poured at è= 60o, L = 300 mm, T = 630 oC exhibited the
highest grain size uniformity.While ingots casted at è= 30o, L = 400 mm,T
= 620 oC, investigated the highest shape factor uniformity. |
