An Experimental Study of Deformation of a Columnar Dendritic Mushy Zone Using a Transparent Succinonitrile-Acetone Alloy

The deformation of a directionally solidified columnar dendritic mushy zone in a transparent succinonitrile-acetone (SCN-ACE) alloy has been studied experimentally. In addition to solidifying dendritically like a metal alloy, this alloy also has mechanical properties that are similar to those of metals near the melting point. The experiments are relevant, for example, to the deformation of a partially solidified strand during continuous casting of steel slabs. A test cell was designed which allows for directional solidification of the alloy and controlled compression of the solid-liquid mush which forms. Measurements during solidification and deformation include temperatures, interface positions, local displacements of the solid skeleton in the mush, and liquid concentrations. Results are presented for a range of initial test-cell thicknesses, deformation amounts, and deformation start times. The measurements are suitable for validation of future models.