Microstructure simulation of AM50 mg alloy die casting with cellular automaton method

A two-dimensional mathematical-physics model for the nucleation and equiaxed grain growth of AM50 magnesium die casting alloy during solidification process were developed, which was based on the cellular automaton (CA) method. The model coupled the temperature field calculation and microstructure simulation. The temperature field of a step-shape die casting of AM50 magnesium alloy was calculated using the inverse heat transfer method. The microstructure of the surfaces at different steps of the die casting was simulated. The microstructure of the die casting was also investigated utilizing metallographic analysis. The experimental results were compared with the microstructure simulation results and they were in good agreement on grain size.