Homogenization / Solution Treatments: Al-Si Alloys

In some cases, the heating temperature can only be preliminarily determined with a stepping calculation. It should be optimized, together with the heating time, based on the Diffusion Module (DICTRA) simulations.

This example, using the TCS Al-based Alloy Database (TCAL), shows simulated dissolution of Si particles at 500 °C, 530 °C, and 560 °C with a multiple-cell approach (Figure 1). 500 °C is too low since the particles cannot be fully dissolved even after three (3) hours. By comparison, the particles disappear within 15 minutes at 560 °C and one (1) hour at 530 °C. You can choose either temperature or a temperature between taking into account other factors, such as energy consumptions, risks of melting, etc.

Read more about the Diffusion Module (DICTRA) on our website. There is also a Getting Started with the Diffusion Module (DICTRA) page available. If you are in Thermo‑Calc, press F1 to search the help to learn about the available settings included with the Add-on Module.

Figure 1: Simulated dissolution of Si particles at 500 °C, 530 °C, and 560 °C for multiple-cell approaches.