Modeling acoustic effects during casting nanocomposites under electromagnetic field

Casting is one of the most cost-effective methods of producing metal matrix nanocomposites. However, it is extremely difficult to disperse nanoparticles uniformly in a metal matrix due to their large surface-to-volume ratio and their low wettability in liquid metal, which cause their agglomeration and clustering. This paper presents a model of the process of nanocomposite casting where an alternating electromagnetic field is used to induce a standing acoustic wave in the molten metal. The model requires a coupling of electromagnetic field, metal flow field, and acoustic field. It allows optimization of the parameters of the coil supply so as to produce a cavitation phenomenon in the metal, which breaks up the agglomerations of nanoparticles.