Dynamics of two interacting hydrogen bubbles in liquid aluminum under the influence of a strong acoustic field

Gerard S. B. Lebon, Koulis Pericleous, Iakovos Tzanakis, and Dmitry G. Eskin
Phys. Rev. E 92, 043004 – Published 6 October 2015

Abstract

Ultrasonic melt processing significantly improves the properties of metallic materials. However, this promising technology has not been successfully transferred to the industry because of difficulties in treating large volumes of melt. To circumvent these difficulties, a fundamental understanding of the efficiency of ultrasonic treatment of liquid metals is required. In this endeavor, the dynamics of two interacting hydrogen bubbles in liquid aluminum are studied to determine the effect of a strong acoustic field on their behavior. It is shown that coalescence readily occurs at low frequencies in the range of 16 to 20 kHz; forcing frequencies at these values are likely to promote degassing. Emitted acoustic pressures from relatively isolated bubbles that resonate with the driving frequency are in the megapascal range and these cavitation shock waves are presumed to promote grain refinement by disrupting the growth of the solidification front.

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  • Received 29 June 2015
  • Revised 2 September 2015

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.92.043004

©2015 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Gerard S. B. Lebon* and Koulis Pericleous

  • Centre for Numerical Modelling and Process Analysis, The University of Greenwich, London, SE10 9LS, United Kingdom

Iakovos Tzanakis and Dmitry G. Eskin

  • Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom

  • *G.S.B.Lebon@greenwich.ac.uk

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Vol. 92, Iss. 4 — October 2015

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