Direct–Chill Casting of Light Alloys: Science and Technology

Presents the latest science and technology to solve current problems and advance the field of direct-chill casting

Light alloys play an indispensable role in today's industrial society, with aluminium and magnesium two of the most important structural materials used around the world. Direct- chill casting is the principle technology for producing billets and ingots of light alloys.

This book thoroughly reviews the science and technology of direct-chill casting of light alloys and important ancillary processes. Emphasizing the needs of industrial research and practice, the book explains how the physico-chemical, thermo-physical, and thermo-mechanical aspects of light alloys all play major roles in the formation of the structure, defects, and properties of the casting.

Direct-Chill Casting of Light Alloys begins with an historical overview and then examines liquid metal supply, alloy preparation, and melt transport. Next, the book covers:

• Melt refining and impurity control
• Grain refinement
• Solidification phenomena and casting defects
• Direct-chill casting technology and operation
• Post-casting processing
• Modeling and simulation

The book ends with a discussion of key economic considerations in direct-chill casting. The authors of the book are international leaders in the field of solidification and casting research and technology. The material presented is based on a thorough review of the literature and current practice as well as the authors' firsthand experience in research and industry.

Direct-Chill Casting of Light Alloys enables technicians, engineers, and researchers to apply all the latest science and technology to solving the current challenges, advancing the field, and creating safe and sustainable commercial operations.

JOHN F. GRANDFIELD, PhD, is Director of Grandfield Technology Pty Ltd. Dr. Grandfield is a well-known specialist in casting and solidification of light metals. He is an active presenter and organizer of workshops and lectures.

DMITRY G. ESKIN, PhD, is Professor at Brunel University. His main scientific contributions are in physical metallurgy of aluminium alloys and solidification processing.

Ian F. Bainbridge, PhD, managed production operations and conducted R&D in the aluminium industry for fifty years.