Effect of applied pressure and ultrasonic vibration on microstructure and microhardness of Al-5.0Cu alloy

The squeeze pressure field and power ultrasonic field were applied during the conventional casting process of Al-5.0Cu alloy simultaneously. The effects of individual squeeze pressure or power ultrasonic and their coupling on the microstructures and microhardness of Al-5.0Cu alloy were studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, image analysis and micro Vickers hardness test. The results show that compared with the conventional casting, refined microstructures, homogeneous distribution of alpha(Al) and theta(Al2Cu) and improved microhardness can be obtained when squeeze pressure or power ultrasonic is applied individually. For the case of combined fields, both the treated region and the improvement of microstructure and properties can be enhanced.