Simulation and Experimental Validation of A356 and AZ91 Alloy Fluidity in a Graphite Mold

Graphite mold casting is a promising technique owing to its ability to provide high cooling rates and suitability for many types of alloys. The fluidity of A356 aluminum and AZ91 magnesium alloys cast into graphite molds was determined at casting temperatures of 670 °C–810 °C. As expected, the fluidity of AZ91 was lower than that of A356. The critical solid fractions for A356 aluminum and AZ91 magnesium alloys were determined by comparing simulated spiral fluidity test lengths with those obtained experimentally. For graphite mold casting, the critical solid fractions for A356 and AZ91 alloys were in the range of 0.12–0.15 and 0.13–0.17, respectively.