A positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) study of inclusions in liquid aluminium alloy

D. J. Burnard, A. J. Caden, J. Gargiuli, T. Leadbeater, David Parker, W. D. Griffiths

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Inclusions have a detrimental effect upon casting properties but it is known empirically that a slow liquid metal flow has a beneficial effect by reducing the number of inclusions entering the casting. Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) is a method that can be used to track the path taken by radioactive particles, and can be used to follow the behaviour of inclusions as they make their way from a furnace, along the launder and into the casting. A new PEPT camera geometry was developed and used to track radioactively labelled γ-alumina particles, in the region of 600 μm size. The camera detectors were arranged radially around a launder, into which was poured 150 kg of liquid Al alloy, the radioactive particles being released at intervals during the pour. The positron camera was 0.7 m in length and 0.1 m2 in cross-sectional area, and this matched the dimensions of an industrial launder. A model of inclusion behaviour in a flowing liquid Al alloy was also developed, and the Positron Imaging system described was used to validate this model.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvanced Materials Research
PublisherTrans Tech Publications Inc
Pages43-48
Number of pages6
Volume922
ISBN (Print)9783038350743
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event8th International Conference on Processing and Manufacturing of Advanced Materials: Processing, Fabrication, Properties, Applications, THERMEC 2013 - Las Vegas, NV, United States
Duration: 2 Dec 20136 Dec 2013

Publication series

NameAdvanced Materials Research
Volume922
ISSN (Print)10226680

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Processing and Manufacturing of Advanced Materials: Processing, Fabrication, Properties, Applications, THERMEC 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas, NV
Period2/12/136/12/13

Keywords

  • Aluminium
  • Casting
  • Inclusions
  • PEPT
  • Positron emission particle tracking
  • Radioactivity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering(all)

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