Development Of Aluminium Powders Production Methods Via VIGA Atomisation Using Combined Numerical And Experimental Approaches

Authors: Raphaël Durand (IRT M2P, France) Meher Zaied (IRT M2P, France) Baraa Qaddah (IRT M2P, France) Widad Ayadh (IRT M2P, France) Pierre Chapelle (IJL, France) Nathan Liebgott (IRT M2P, France) Emmanuel de la rochefoucauld (IRT M2P, France) Abstract: At the IRT M2P Uckange site, Vacuum Induction melting Gas Atomization (VIGA) system is operated to manufacture high-quality spherical powders. This study integrates numerical simulations and experimental tests on aluminium alloys to evaluate essential process parameters and their evolution with alloy composition.Numerical results consist of metal flow modelling inside the crucible assembly, effectively granting vision over the alloy temperature in the melt delivery nozzle. Results demonstrate that the top pressure, superheat temperature, and nozzle diameter should be used to improve flow through the nozzle, depending on the alloy, and prevent clogging. Experimental findings corroborate these observations on three different alloys, confirming the influence of those parameters.It also highlights how chemical composition affects the flowability of the liquid metal. The results show that additions of manganese and chromium improve alloy flowability, while iron additions lead to a deterioration of this property. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59499/EP267158256