Abstract
The functionally graded materials (FGMs) solidification process has complicated movement phenomena of fluid, solute and heat. These phenomena control the segregation of particles in a molten matrix, interactions of particles with a solidification front and the integration of particles in the solidifying matrix. The desired particle distribution in a solidified component can be achieved by manipulating the time of solidification and this makes the study of particle motion during solidification important. This study involved analysis of particle/matrix configuration, solid/liquid interface shape within the vicinity of the particle, thermal conductivity and the pushing/engulfment transition. An overview of the mathematical models of centrifugal casting of FGMs is presented and these include forces acting on the particle; melt particle and solid/liquid interface forces; composite thermal conductivity; heat-transfer coefficient composites; volume fraction resolution; and, particle matrix field temperature configuration.
Acknowledgement
The authors hereby acknowledge the Centre for Engineering Postgraduate Studies, management and staff of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.