5th International Conference on Advances in Solidification Processes (ICASP-5) 5th International Symposium on Cutting Edge of Computer Simulation of Solidification, Casting and Refining (CSSCR-5)

Applying magnetic field during solidification of metallic alloys process under high thermal gradient may influence drastically microstructures of solidified metal. In fact, Magnetic Lorentz forces due to the coupling of electromagnetic field with thermo-electric currents are acting on the movement of solid grains and on the movements of fluid around grains, which finally produce re-organized and modified microstructures. We have developped 2D and 3D models to analyze and quantify numerically these effects. 2D and 3D Finite element models are based on non linear, time dependant algorithms, coupling electrokinetic to thermal and laminar fluid dynamic equations. Magnetic field is imposed and may be constant or varying at low frequency. Coupling terms coming from magnetism are Lorentz forces in fluid dynamic equations and induced currents in electrokinetics equation. Different approaches have been followed, working either with simplified geometrical grains (spherical, hexaedral ..), either with realistic grains coming from 2D X radiography or 3D tomography on Al7%Cu alloy sample. Solid grains are immersed numerically in the liquid using Chimera method. Results of simulation will present grain trajectories and movement during time and will be compared to analytical results on simplified geometries and to results coming from AlCu alloy solidification experimental processes.