Modelling of the effects of entrainment defects on mechanical properties in a cast Al-Si-Mg alloy

Entrainment defects such as double oxide films and entrapped bubbles occur frequently in aluminium alloy castings during the mould-filling process, and are very detrimental to both mechanical properties, and reproducibility of casting properties. In this study a modelling algorithm was used to predict the formation and distribution of entrainment defects in Al-Si-Mg alloy castings. The tensile strength of cast test bars was compared with either the number of defects, or the defect concentration within the bars obtained from the simulation. A general relationship between the mechanical strength of the cast test bars and the quantity of estimated defects was apparent.