Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Open Access Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (MS)
Administrative Home Department
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Advisor 1
Paul Sanders
Committee Member 1
Joseph Licavoli
Committee Member 2
Douglas Swenson
Abstract
The most common and costly detriments to ductile iron foundries are casting defects, particularly in new and complex components. The ability to understand the factors and processes that create microstructures and the associated properties would allow accurate virtual predictions of casting outcomes. An experimental study of standard foundry variables, carbon equivalent, return ratio, mold preparation, riser feed, and casting temperature on a target of 100-70-03 pearlitic, hypereutectic ductile iron provided the groundwork for an ICME database. Density decreased when the fraction of graphite nodules was greater due to the low density of graphite. A greater percentage of return scrap and higher CE level correlated to increased graphite nodule formation and count as well as increased hardness and density. Riser sleeve compression and mold hardness influenced the amount of material fed into a casting upon solidification. However, mold hardness in the range of 85 to 95 B-scale has little effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the casting.
Recommended Citation
VanDusen, Erin, "The Effects of Carbon Equivalent, Return Ratios, Mold Preparation, Riser Feed and Casting Temperature on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of 100-70-03 Pearlitic Ductile Iron", Open Access Master's Thesis, Michigan Technological University, 2020.