A rheological model of metal alloys in a semi-solid state

A rheological model of metal alloy in the semi-solid state used as a raw ma terial in the thixoforming process has been developed. The theoretical side of this casting method and the mathematical model of the material in this state verified by available experimental data were described. This model en ables prediction of main phenomena that are encountered during the process of casting and forming of semisolid metal alloys. This includes in particul ar description of the phase segregation during the flow, thixotropic rheolo gical phenomena with the yield stress, viscosity dependence on the shear st ress, solid phase fraction and its agglomeration state. The comparison of t he modelling results with experimental data proves that the model sufficien tly well describes the thixoforming process.