Direct observation of particle flow in semi‐solid alloys by synchrotron X‐ray micro‐radioscopy

The flow of a semi‐solid aluminium–germanium alloy Al–Ge32 (wt.%) into a thin cavity was monitored by in situ micro‐radioscopy using polychromatic hard X‐ray synchrotron radiation. X‐ray images were recorded at an acquisition speed of 67 frames/s using an indirect X‐ray pixel detector in combination with a CMOS camera. Liquid drainage and de‐/re‐agglomeration of small aluminium‐rich solid particle clusters – associated with the slurry's thixotropic behaviour – could be visualized. The technique and first results obtained are discussed in terms of their future application and possible improvements.

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