Compression properties enhancement of Al-Cu alloy solidified under a 29 T high static magnetic field

Abstract Bulk solidification of Al-40 wt% Cu hypereutectic alloy has been investigated using a high static magnetic field (HSMF). The results show that, by imposing a 29 T HSMF, the melt convection has been completely suppressed in the mushy zone and the whole scale. The primary Al 2 Cu faceted phase changed to non-faceted phase because of the growth enhancement of Al 2 Cu precipitates. Al-Al 2 Cu eutectic was destabilized as a coexisting of lamellar and rod-like α-Al phase under 0 T whereas it was stabilized as a lamellae under the 29 T HSMF. The dimension of primary Al 2 Cu precipitates has been refined. The interlamellar spacing of eutectic Al-Al 2 Cu structure has been reduced from 6.3 µm to 2–3 µm. The primary Al 2 Cu precipitates were almost oriented to its  crystal direction which was parallel to the direction of the vertical HSMF. The morphologies of shrinkages displays as approximately regular spheres. Compressive strength of Al-40 wt% Cu alloy has been enhanced from 248 MPa to 431 MPa and the maximum stain has been improved from 3.6% to 5%. This paper reveals the effect of HSMF on Al 2 Cu precipitates, provides a new sight about refinement theory and new pathway to fabricate brittle materials with excellent mechanical properties.