Cellular Automation Finite Element Modeling of the Evolution of the As-Cast Microstructure of an Ultrasonically Treated Al-2Cu Alloy

Ultrasonic vibration characterised by high-intensity and low-amplitude is one of the physical (or mechanical) means that can effectively refine the as-cast grain structure without using inoculant particles [1‐8]. Computational models that quantitatively describe hydrodynamic fields induced by ultrasonics and the resultant microstructure evolution are an invaluable way to understand and optimise ultrasonic treatment (UST) processes, and the development of these models is crucial in taking advantage of UST as part of a casting process [9‐12]. The current work investigates the effect of acoustic streaming on the evolution of microstructure of an Al-2Cu alloy during the application of UST numerically. A computation model based on CAFE (Cellular Automation Finite Element) coupling fluid flow, heat transfer, nucleation and grain growth was developed and validated by comparing the results of numerical simulations against physical experiments.