Feasibility of using contactless electromagnetic cavitation for steel composite manufacturing

M. Sarma¹ - I. Grants² - T. Herrmannsdörfer³ - G. Gerbeth¹

¹ Institute of Fluid Dynamics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
² Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, 32 Miera str., LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
³ Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany

Abstract
This work investigates the feasibility of using contactless electromagnetic sonication for dispersing and refining the strengthening phase in iron and steel for ferrous metal matrix composite production. An oscillating pressure field is generated under superimposed alternating (0.13 T) and steady magnetic fields (up to 8 T). The processing employs a static floating-zone technique and is crucible-free. This approach allows to reach an around 0.8 MPa pressure oscillation amplitude that is sufficient to initiate acoustic cavitation in high melting temperature liquid metals. The viability of different reinforcement dispersions, both ex situ and in situ using this electromagnetic sonication, is explored in the context of the production of oxide dispersion strengthened steel and high modulus steel. Figs 3, Refs 9.

Key words: contactless cavitation, solidification processing, steel composites.