Microsegregation behavior during solidification and homogenization of AerMet100 steel

Cast AerMet100 exhibits mechanical properties comparable to the wrought properties of competing ultrahigh-strength steels; however, the segregation behavior had not been quantified under casting conditions. A microsegregation profile of the as-cast ingot was simulated and homogenization treatments were predicted using Thermo-Calc and DICTRA software. Experimental composition analysis confirmed the simulated microsegregation profile, and the homogenization process occurred at a slightly faster rate than predicted. The convergence of theory and experiment demonstrates the feasibility of designing cast alloy compositions assisted by computer simulation to minimize segregation without casting a large experimental matrix of test ingots.