Inverse and centreline segregation formation in twin roll cast AZ31 magnesium alloy

Abstract

Two microstructure defects formed in the twin roll cast AZ31 strips were investigated: inverse and centreline segregations. A two-dimensional finite element thermal–fluid–stress model was employed to study the thermomechanical response of the AZ31 strip during twin roll casting process. The results showed that the key parameter for centreline segregation is the mushy zone thickness at centreline. For inverse segregation, the interaction between the yy peak stress at the centreline in the mushy zone and the solidified shell on the roll surface is the determinant parameter. The modelling results suggested increasing the setback distance decreases the risk of both defects. Moreover, scaling up the caster reduces the propensity to inverse segregation but appears to have a minor effect for centreline segregation formation.