Ultrasonic treatment for improving microstructure of continuously cast product

Abstract

To provide a technique for controlling a microstructure of a continuously cast product using ultrasonic treatment.SOLUTION: Described herein are techniques for improving a grain structure of a metal product by applying ultrasonic energy to a continuously cast metal product at a position downstream from a casting region and allowing the ultrasonic energy to propagate through the metal product to a solidification region. At the solidification region, the ultrasonic energy can interact with growing metal grains, such as to deagglomerate and disperse nucleating particles and to disrupt and fragment dendrites as they grow, which can promote additional nucleation and result in smaller grain sizes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 977,067, filed February 14, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to metallurgy, and more specifically to techniques for controlling the microstructure of continuously cast products using ultrasonic processing. [Background technology]

[0003] Ultrasonic energy can be applied to metal products to modify their structural and mechanical properties. For example, ultrasonic impact treatment can be used to strengthen metal products, such as at or adjacent to weld joints, especially those whose strength is weakened by exposure to high temperatures. By subjecting metal products or joints to ultrasonic energy, for example, using mechanical impact treatment at ultrasonic frequencies, residual stresses within the material can be manipulated to enhance mechanical properties, strength, fatigue, and corrosion resistance. Ultrasonic treatment can also be used when casting metal products to refine the microstructure during solidification. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The terms embodiments and similar terms are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this disclosure and the claims that follow. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein, nor to limit the meaning or scope of the claims that follow. The embodiments of the disclosure addressed herein are defined by the claims that follow, not this Summary. This Summary is a broad overview of various aspects of the disclosure and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification of this disclosure, some or all of the drawings, and appropriate portions of each claim.

[0005] By introducing ultrasonic cavitation into the solidifying melt, atomization can occur through wetting, deagglomeration and dispersion of nucleated particles, and activation of the substrate by dendrite fragmentation.For casting techniques featuring large diameter open-top billets or ingots, e.g., direct chill (DC) casting, ultrasonic energy can be applied by inserting an ultrasonic transducer or sonotrode directly into the molten metal.

[0006] However, such a configuration may result in some disadvantages. For example, the sonotrode or ultrasonic transducer must be formed of a material that can withstand exposure to high temperatures, as well as an inert material that inhibits destruction of the sonotrode or ultrasonic transducer and contamination of the molten metal. Examples of inert materials used may include niobium, tungsten, sialon, graphite, and the like. These materials may be inert in some metals (e.g., steel), but not necessarily in all molten metals. Furthermore, these materials may still be subject to corrosion while placed in the molten metal. For example, inert materials may erode at rates of 1-10 μm / hour. With such corrosion rates, it may be difficult to efficiently couple ultrasonic energy to desired locations within the cast material. For example, by placing the sonotrode or ultrasonic transducer at a location and using an ultrasonic frequency that places an ultrasonic maximum or node in the solidification region within the cast metal, It may be necessary to consider the thermal expansion of the sonotrode or ultrasonic transducer material. Additionally, inert materials erode over time, so the optimal frequency or location may change over time. Also, it may be necessary to replace the sonotrode or ultrasonic transducer due to corrosion. This generally involves significant operational costs and complexity (e.g., excluding downtime and costs associated with removing and replacing components.

[0007] Ultrasonic energy is applied to continuous casting machines (e.g., twin roll casters, block casters, and belt casters). When applied to a continuous casting machine, the term refers to a trough, a tub, or the like used to deliver molten metal into the continuous casting area. The narrow gauge of the dish and nosetip limits access to the molten metal. Therefore, sonotrodes may be inserted into the molten metal in the continuous casting system. Direct placement of the board or ultrasound transducer is difficult or impractical. Such a configuration would also not overcome the disadvantages previously mentioned relating to materials and corrosion. stomach.

[0008] The sonotrode or ultrasonic transducer is inserted into the trough, tank, or other part of the molten metal rather than directly into the metal. It may be useful to place the ion exchanger in contact with the dish or nose tip, but it is not recommended to place the ion exchanger in contact with the gutter, tub, or other part of the ion exchanger. Ultrasonic energy from a dish or nose tip is directed through the molten metal to the solidification region. Coupling to a single region can be inefficient. Furthermore, access to such configurations can be There may also be limitations depending on the process or equipment used.

[0009] In a continuous casting system, the cast slab is fed to a pair of pinch rolls downstream of the caster. For example, negative tension may be applied to counter improper feeding or tearing. In Tyrol, ultrasonic energy is introduced into the cast slab by applying pressure directly to the cast slab. Due to the pressure applied by the pinch rolls, ultrasonic The transfer of wave energy from the pinch rolls into the cast slab can be very efficient. It is possible to deliver ultrasonic energy to the coagulation area, and the ultrasonic energy is May contribute to granulation.

[0010] Another approach to delivering ultrasonic energy to the coagulation region is to use, for example, an externally applied magnetic field and The interaction of the electric field with the metal generates magnetohydrodynamic forces, which cause the casting to melt in the solidification region. The force can be generated directly in the casting or molten metal. In one example, the magnetohydrodynamic force is , a static magnetic field source (e.g., a permanent magnet or electromagnet) and a variable electric field source (e.g., an alternating current (AC) In another example, the magnetohydrodynamic force can be generated using a variable magnetic field source (e.g., an electromagnet driven by a variable current) and an electrostatic field source (e.g., a direct current (DC) voltage source) This can occur.

[0011] Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting examples.

[0012] Reference is made herein to the following accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers are used in different figures: Where used herein, illustrations are intended to refer to the same or similar components. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example continuous casting process for applying ultrasonic energy to a cast metal slab. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of a solidification region in an example continuous casting process. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example continuous casting process in which mechanical vibrations at ultrasonic frequencies are applied to a cast metal slab. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example continuous casting process in which ultrasonic frequency magnetohydrodynamic forces are applied to a cast metal slab. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Described herein is a technique for improving the grain structure of a continuously cast metal product by applying ultrasonic energy to the product at a location just downstream of the casting zone and allowing the ultrasonic energy to propagate through the metal slab to the solidification zone, where the ultrasonic energy can interact with the growing metal particles to, for example, deagglomerate and disperse nucleating particles and break and fragment dendrites as they grow, thereby promoting further nucleation to obtain smaller grain sizes. Definitions and Explanations

[0015] As used herein, the terms "invention," "this invention," "this invention," and "the current invention" are intended to refer broadly to all the subject matter of this patent application and the claims that follow. Statements containing these terms should not be understood to limit the subject matter described herein, nor to limit the meaning or scope of the claims that follow.

[0016] This description may refer to alloys identified by AA numbers and other related designations (e.g., "series" or "7xxx"). For an understanding of the number designation systems most commonly used in naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, please refer to the following documents: "International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys" or "Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot", both published by The Aluminum Association.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "cast metal product," "cast product," "cast alloy product," and the like are used interchangeably and refer to products produced by direct chill casting (including direct chill co-casting) or semi-continuous casting, continuous casting (including, for example, by using a twin belt caster, twin roll caster, block caster, or any other continuous casting machine), electromagnetic casting, hot top casting, or any other casting process.

[0018] All ranges disclosed herein should be understood to encompass all subranges subsumed therein. For example, the stated range "1 to 10" should be considered to encompass all subranges (including both ends) between a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 10. That is, all subranges begin with a minimum value of 1 or greater (e.g., 1 to 6.1) and end with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10).

[0019] As used herein, the terms "a," "an," and "the" include singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Method for manufacturing metal products

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example continuous casting system 100, in which molten metal 105 is transferred from a trough 110 to a tundish 115 and into the nose tip or nozzle 120 of a twin belt caster 125, where the molten metal 105 solidifies and cools to form a cast slab 130. Downstream of the twin belt caster 125, pinch rolls 135 apply pressure to the cast slab 130 and pull the cast slab 130 away from the twin belt caster 125. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the production of a cast slab 130, other cast metal products can be prepared by the disclosed techniques, such as cast metal rods, cast metal billets, cast metal sheets, cast metal plates, and the like. The continuous casting system 100 illustrated in FIG. 00 illustrates a twin belt caster 125, however such configuration is not limiting and other Continuous casting systems (e.g., twin roll casters and block casters) may also be used. Additionally, other configurations may be used that do not use a tundish or trough. This is also fine.

[0021] In FIG. 1, the pinch roll 135 includes an ultrasonic transducer 140 (which generates ultrasonic waves 145). The ultrasonic wave 145 is coupled to the pinch roll 135. The ultrasonic wave 145 upstream in the casting slab 130 is transferred to the nose tip or The ultrasonic transducer 140 is pinched so that it is coupled toward the nozzle 120. For example, the ultrasonic wave 145 may be directed primarily upstream. 130. The ultrasonic waves 145 may be combined to limit the amount or magnitude of ultrasonic waves 145 traveling downstream within the cast slab 130. Thus, the orientation and / or position of the ultrasonic transducer 140 may be optionally configured. Additionally or alternatively, ultrasonic waves 145 may be directed at the twin belt casting machine 125. There is a phase shift between the ultrasonic transducers 140 so that they are directional guided. In this manner, energy from the ultrasound 145 may be directed to the nose tip or nozzle. 120 to join the solidification area in the twin belt caster 125 to form a cast slab 130 particle improvements can be realized.

[0022] Configuration of the twin-belt caster 125 when supporting and / or cooling the cast slab 130 Ultrasonic 145 is efficient in casting slabs 130 into the belts of the Twin Belt Caster 125. For example, the cast slab 130 and the twin belt 140 may be formed of a material that is not bonded to the cast slab 130. The casting machine 125 is strongly mechanically coupled to allow efficient transfer of ultrasonic energy. You don't have to do that.

[0023] The ultrasonic transducer 140 may, for example, have a frequency of about 10 Hz, depending on the configuration and materials used. The ultrasonic wave 145 may be generated at a frequency of kHz to 70 kHz or up to about 3 MHz. The ultrasonic transducer 140 may directionally affect the transmission of ultrasonic waves 145 and / or The location of the minima and maxima of the ultrasonic waves 145 within the coagulation region can be varied to control the atomization that occurs. For example, the oscilloscope may have a controllable or variable frequency output.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows an expanded view of the continuous casting system 100 illustrating the solidification region. The molten metal 105 transitions through a partially solid region between the liquidus and solidus temperatures. Finally, at the output of the nose tip or nozzle 120, a twin belt caster 125 The liquidus isotherm example 106 is shown. It shows the liquidus temperature of the metal. A coherency isotherm example is also shown. This shows how the temperature of the metal changes with the coherency The graph also shows the solidus isotherm example 108, which is for gold. It identifies the point at which the temperature of a metal reaches its solidus temperature and above which it becomes completely solid. Naturally, the liquidus isotherm 106 and the coherency isotherm 107 shown in FIG. , and solidus isotherm 108 are typical and useful for illustrating the structure of the solidification region. The actual location and shape of the isotherms will vary depending on the configuration, geometry, and casting method used by the continuous casting system 100. This may vary depending on the material, temperature, cooling rate, etc.

[0025] Between the liquidus isotherm 106 and the coherency isotherm 107, the temperature of the metal is The temperature is between 100° C. and the coherency temperature, where the metal includes molten metal and suspended solid metal. Coherency temperature is a temperature distribution that contains lattice particles (generally not large enough to touch each other). As the temperature drops toward 300°C, the metal particles grow and form dendrites. This continues until the heat resistance isotherm is reached, at which point the metal particles are prevented from contacting each other. Between the coherency isotherm 107 and the solidus isotherm 108, The temperature of the metal is between the coherency temperature and the solidus temperature, and the metal is between the solid metal particles. It contains molten metal. As the temperature decreases towards the solidus temperature, the metal particles continue to grow until they completely entrap all the molten metal through solidification.

[0026] 2 shows ultrasonic waves 145 being transmitted along the length of the cast slab 130 and into the solidification region. The ultrasonic waves 145 may correspond to, for example, high frequency longitudinal pressure waves and may physically interact with the growing metal particles to refine and reduce particle size, for example, by fragmenting dendrites, dispersing and deagglomerating smaller particles or nucleation sites, etc. Because the cast slab 130 is solid at locations downstream of the solidus isotherm 108, transmission of the ultrasonic waves 145 through the cast metal slab 130 may be efficient. Once the ultrasonic waves 145 reach the solidification zone, their energy may begin to be absorbed and dispersed throughout the molten metal 105.

[0027] Returning to FIG. 1 , one or more acoustic receivers 150 may be located upstream of the nose tip or nozzle 120. The acoustic receivers 150 may be used, for example, to detect residual ultrasonic energy propagating through the molten metal 105 to the trough 110 or tundish 115. Information detected by the acoustic receivers 150 may be used to provide feedback control to the ultrasonic transducer 140, for example, to control the amplitude, frequency, phase shift, etc. of the ultrasonic waves 145 generated by the ultrasonic transducer 140. Further feedback may be provided by inspection of the grain structure of the cast slab 130, which may indicate whether the ultrasonic transducer is operating to effectively refine the grain structure of the cast slab 130.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another example continuous casting system 300. Here, molten metal 305 is transferred from a trough 310 to a tundish 315 and into the nose tip or nozzle 320 of a twin belt caster 325. Here, the molten metal 305 solidifies and cools to form a cast slab 330. Downstream of the twin belt caster 325, pressure is applied to the cast slab 330 from pinch rolls 335, pulling the cast slab 330 away from the twin belt caster 325. Although FIG. 3 illustrates the production of a cast slab 330, other cast metal products can be prepared by the disclosed techniques, such as cast metal rods, cast metal billets, cast metal sheets, cast metal plates, and the like. Although the example continuous casting system 300 in FIG. 3 shows a twin belt caster 325, such configuration is not limiting and other continuous casting systems (e.g., twin roll casters and block casters) can be used. Additionally, other configurations that do not use a tundish or trough can be used. A vertical casting orientation may also be used.

[0029] In FIG. 3, the pinch roll 335 is shown coupled to a movable support 340, where vertical translation of the pinch roll 335 can create a vibratory motion of the cast slab 330. Although vertical translation is shown in FIG. 3, lateral translation into and out of the field of view or plane shown in FIG. 3 is also or alternatively possible. The translation can be induced by mechanical or electromechanical actuators coupled to the pinch roll 335 or the support 340. The translation can generate transverse waves 345 in the cast slab 330. The transverse waves 345 shown in FIG. 3 are shown with exaggerated amplitudes and wavelengths for illustrative purposes and may not be visually perceptible depending on the frequency and amplitude.

[0030] Exemplary frequencies of the shear waves 345 may be, for example, from about 10 kHz to about 100 kHz, for example, 10 kHz to 20 kHz, 20 kHz to 30 kHz, 30 kHz to 40 kHz, 40 kHz to 50 kHz, 50 kHz to 60 kHz, 60 kHz to 70 kHz, 70 kHz to 80 kHz, 80 kHz to 90 kHz, or 90 kHz to 100 kHz, depending on the configuration and materials used. The drive of the movement of the pinch roll 335 may have a controllable or variable frequency and a controllable or variable amplitude to vary the location of the minima and maxima of the shear waves 345 within the solidification region to control the atomization that occurs. Also, the pinch roll 33 5 is translatable along the horizontal direction to control the location of minima and maxima of the shear wave 345. A secondary pinch roll 336 may be used to limit the propagation of transverse waves in the downstream direction. Good too.

[0031] The twin-belt caster 325 may be configured to support and / or cool the cast slab 330. , the shear waves 345 are efficiently transferred from the cast slab 330 into the belts of the twin-belt caster 325 For example, the cast slab 330 and the twin belt cast The machine 325 does not need to be strongly mechanically coupled.

[0032] One or more radio frequency sensors 350 are positioned upstream of the nose tip or nozzle 320. A high frequency sensor 350 may be used, for example, to measure the flow of molten metal through the molten metal 305 to the trough 310. Alternatively, the remaining vibration energy transmitted to the tundish 315 may be detected. The information detected by the wave sensor 350 is used to determine the position of the pinch roll 335 that generates the transverse wave 345. To provide feedback control to regulating mechanical or electromechanical actuators may be used, for example, to control the amplitude and frequency of the shear waves 345. Further feedback may be provided by inspection of the grain structure of the It can be shown whether kinetic energy is affecting the grain structure of the cast slab 330.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of another example continuous casting system 400, in which molten metal 405 is The mixture is transferred from the trough 410 to the tundish 415 and then to the nose tip of the twin belt caster 425. or nozzle 420. Here, the molten metal 405 solidifies and cools to form a casting. A slab 430 is formed. Downstream of the twin belt caster 425, pinch rolls 435 Pressure is applied to the cast slab 430 to separate the cast slab 430 from the twin-belt caster 425. In FIG. 4, it is explained that a cast slab 430 is produced, but the disclosed technology Other cast metal products can also be prepared by the method, for example, cast metal rods, cast gold The continuous casting system shown in Figure 4 is a typical example of a cast metal billet, a cast metal sheet, a cast metal plate, etc. Although system 400 illustrates a twin belt caster 425, such configuration is not limiting. It can also be used with other continuous casting systems (e.g. twin roll casters and block casters). Additionally, other configurations that do not use a tundish or trough may be used. Orientation may also be used.

[0034] The application of acoustic or mechanical ultrasonic energy within the coagulation zone to control the resulting atomization Instead of applying ultrasonic energy via magnetohydrodynamic forces, the configuration shown in FIG. The magnetohydrodynamic force is generated by applying a static magnetic field and an alternating electric field to a molten or solidified metal. For more details on magnetohydrodynamic forces, see , Vives, Journal of Crystal Grown 173, 541-5 49, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference. There are.

[0035] In FIG. 4, pinch roll 435 is electrically coupled to an AC (alternating current) voltage source 440. The tundish 415 is also electrically coupled to an AC voltage source 440. In this configuration, an AC voltage source is used to melt the AC current and / or voltage. A pressure is applied to the metal 405 as it is cast and solidifies as a cast slab 430 to cause solidification. An alternating electric field is generated within the region. Examples of AC frequencies for the AC voltage source range from ultrasonic frequencies, e.g. For example, it may be 10 kHz to 100 kHz. For example, a twin belt caster 425 or nozzle 420 may be connected to an AC voltage source. 440.

[0036] A static magnetic field 445 is applied in the twin-belt casting machine 425. In FIG. Although a downward direction is shown, other directions may be used, such as upward, or inward, or outward, of the field of view shown in FIG. 4. The magnetic field 445 may be generated, for example, using a permanent magnetic field source or an electromagnet. When a magnetohydrodynamic force is generated, the force may be generated directly in the solidification region or may be coupled to the solidification region by the movement of the cast slab 430.

[0037] One or more radio frequency sensors 450 may be located upstream of the nose tip or nozzle 420. The radio frequency sensors 450 may be used, for example, to detect residual vibrational energy propagating through the molten metal 405 to the trough 410 or tundish 415. Information detected by the radio frequency sensors 450 may be used for feedback control to the AC voltage source 440. Further feedback may be provided by inspection of the grain structure of the cast slab 430, which may indicate whether the ultrasonic energy of the electro-magnetic fluid is affecting the grain structure of the cast slab 430.

[0038] While the above description of FIG. 4 describes the use of a static magnetic field 445 and an AC voltage source 440, the embodiments described herein may instead be implemented using a variable magnetic field (e.g., an electromagnet source driven by a variable current) and a DC voltage source, with magnetohydrodynamic forces being generated by the interaction of the variable magnetic and electrostatic fields within the coagulation region.

[0039] Any suitable continuous casting method may be used with the techniques of the present disclosure. A continuous casting system may include a pair of moving, opposing casting surfaces (e.g., moving, opposing belts, rolls, or blocks), a casting cavity between the pair of moving, opposing casting surfaces, and a molten metal injector (also referred to herein as a nose tip or nozzle). The molten metal injector may have an end opening from which molten metal may exit the molten metal injector and be injected into the casting cavity.

[0040] The cast slabs, billets, rods, or other cast products can be processed by any suitable means. Such processing steps can include, but are not limited to, homogenization, hot rolling, cold rolling, solution heat treatment, and an optional pre-aging step. The cast products described herein can be used to make products in the form of, for example, sheets, plates, rods, billets, or other suitable products.

[0041] For example, the homogenization step may heat the cast product to a temperature in the range of about 400°C to about 500°C, or any suitable temperature. For example, the cast product may be heated to a temperature of about 400°C, about 410°C, about 420°C, about 430°C, about 440°C, about 450°C, about 460°C, about 470°C, about 480°C, about 490°C, or about 500°C. The product may then be soaked (i.e., held at the indicated temperature) for a period of time to form a homogenized product. In some examples, the total time for the homogenization step (including the heating and soaking phases) may be up to 24 hours. For example, the product may be heated to up to 500°C for the homogenization step and soaked for a total time of up to 18 hours. Optionally, the product may be heated to less than 490°C for the homogenization step and soaked for a total time of more than 18 hours. In some cases, the homogenization step includes multiple processes. In some non-limiting examples, the homogenization step includes heating the cast product to a first temperature for a first time period, followed by heating to a second temperature for a second time period. For example, the cast product can be heated to about 465° C. for about 3.5 hours, and then heated to about 480° C. for about 6 hours.

[0042] The homogenization step may be followed by a hot rolling step. Before hot rolling begins, the homogenized product may be allowed to cool to a temperature of 300° C. to 450° C. or other suitable temperature. For example, the homogenized product may be allowed to cool to a temperature of 325° C. to 425° C. or 350° C. to 400° C. The homogenized product is then cooled to a suitable temperature (e.g., 300° C. to 450° C.) or other suitable temperature. Hot-rolled at temperatures between 100°C and 450°C to produce hot-rolled plate, hot-rolled sheet, or hot-rolled sheet. The gauge is 3mm~200mm (for example, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm , 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35 mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75 mm, 80mm, 85mm, 90mm, 95mm, 100mm, 110mm, 120mm , 130mm, 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, 190 It is possible to form a tubular structure that is 100 mm, 200 mm, or anywhere in between.

[0043] Cold rolling of cast, homogenized or hot rolled products using a cold rolling mill Cold-rolled products can be made into thinner products (e.g. cold-rolled sheet). The gauge can be about 0.5 to 10 mm, for example, about 0.7 to 6.5 mm. Optionally, the cold rolled product has a gauge of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 3.5mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5m m, 6.0mm, 6.5mm, 7.0mm, 7.5mm, 8.0mm, 8.5mm, 9. The thickness can be 0 mm, 9.5 mm, or 10.0 mm. A final gauge thickness that represents the gauge reduction can be obtained, for example, the gauge thickness before cold rolling begins. Compared to the page, the maximum is 85% (for example, the maximum is 10%, the maximum is 20%, the maximum is 30%, the maximum is 40% max, 50% max, 60% max, 70% max, 80% max, or 85% reduction). Optionally, an intermediate annealing step is performed between the cold rolling steps. It is possible to carry out, for example, a first cold rolling treatment followed by annealing. A cold rolling treatment (intermediate annealing) is then applied, followed by a second cold rolling treatment. The heating step is carried out at a suitable temperature, for example, from about 300° C. to about 450° C. (for example, about 310° C. , about 320°C, about 330°C, about 340°C, about 350°C, about 360°C, about 370°C, about 38 0℃, approx. 390℃, approx. 400℃, approx. 410℃, approx. 420℃, approx. 430℃, approx. 440℃, or about 450°C). Optionally, the intermediate annealing step may include In some non-limiting examples, the intermediate annealing step is The partial cold rolled product is heated to a first temperature for a first time and subsequently to a second temperature. For example, the partial cold rolled product may be heated to about 410° C. for about 1 hour. The mixture can be heated for about 2 hours and then heated to about 330° C. for about 2 hours.

[0044] The product, which may then be cast, homogenized, or rolled, is then subjected to a solution heat treatment. It may be subjected to a processing step and / or a pre-aging step. Methods of using the disclosed metal products

[0045] The metal products described herein can be used in automotive applications and other transportation applications (e.g., aircraft and For example, the disclosed metal products can be used to build structural parts for automobiles. For example, bumpers, side beams, roof beams, cross beams, etc. can be manufactured. Frames, pillar reinforcements (e.g. A-pillar, B-pillar, and C-pillar), interior panels, exterior The panel may be a panel, a side panel, an inner hood, an outer hood, or a trunk lid panel. The metal products and methods described herein may also be used in aircraft or rail vehicle applications, for example. For example, the exterior and interior panels can be adjusted.

[0046] The metal products and methods described herein may also be used in electronic applications, or any other desired application. For example, the metal products and methods described herein can be used to Prepare housings for devices (e.g., mobile phones and tablet computers) In some examples, metal products can be used to External cases for smartphones, tablet bottom chassis, and other portable electronics A housing for the casing can be prepared. Metals and metal alloys

[0047] Methods for preparing metal and metal alloy products (e.g., including aluminum, aluminum alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, magnesium composites, and steel, among others) are described herein. In some examples, metals used in the methods described herein include aluminum alloys, such as 1xxx series aluminum alloys, 2xxx series aluminum alloys, 3xxx series aluminum alloys, 4xxx series aluminum alloys, 5xxx series aluminum alloys, 6xxx series aluminum alloys, 7xxx series aluminum alloys, or 8xxx series aluminum alloys. In some examples, materials used in the methods described herein include non-ferrous materials, such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, magnesium, magnesium-based materials, magnesium alloys, magnesium composites, titanium, titanium-based materials, titanium alloys, copper, copper-based materials, composites, sheets used in composites, or any other suitable metals, non-metals, or combinations of materials. In some examples, aluminum alloys containing iron are useful with the methods described herein.

[0048] By way of non-limiting example, typical 1xxx series aluminum alloys for use in the methods described herein may include: AA1100, AA1100A, AA1200, AA1200A, AA1300, AA1110, AA1120, AA1230, AA1230A, AA1235, AA1435, AA1145, AA1345, AA1445, AA1150, AA1350, AA1350A, AA1450, AA1370, AA1275, AA1185, AA1285, AA1385, AA1188, AA1190, AA1290, AA1193, AA1198, or AA1199.

[0049] Non-limiting exemplary 2xxx series aluminum alloys for use in the methods described herein include: AA2001, A2002, AA2004, AA2005, AA2006, AA2007, AA2007A, AA2007B, AA2008, AA2009, AA2010, AA2011, AA2011A, AA2111, AA2111A, AA2111B, AA2012, AA2013, AA2014, AA2014A, AA2214, AA2015, AA201 6, AA2017, AA2017A, AA2117, AA2018, AA2218, AA2618, AA2618A, AA2219, AA2319, AA2419, AA2519, A A2021, AA2022, AA2023, AA2024, AA2024A, AA2124, AA2224, AA2224A, AA2324, AA2424, AA2524, AA262 4, AA2724, AA2824, AA2025, AA2026, AA2027, AA2028, AA2028A, AA2028B, AA2028C, AA2029, AA2030, AA2031, AA2032, AA2034, AA2036, AA2037, AA2038, AA2039, AA2139, AA2040, AA2041, AA2044, AA2045 , AA2050, AA2055, AA2056, AA2060, AA2065, AA2070, AA2076, AA2090, AA2091, AA2094, AA2095, AA2195, AA2295, AA2196, AA2296, AA2097, AA2197, AA2297, AA2397, AA2098, AA2198, AA2099, or AA2199.

[0050] Non-limiting exemplary 3xxx series aluminum alloys for use in the methods described herein include: AA3002, AA3102, AA3003, AA3103, AA3103A, AA3103B, AA3203, AA3403, AA3004, AA3004A, AA3104, AA3204, AA3304, AA3005, AA3005A, AA3105, AA3105A, AA3105B, AA3007, AA3107, AA320 7, AA3207A, AA3307, AA3009, AA3010, AA3110, AA3011, AA3012, AA3012A, AA3013, AA3014, AA3015, AA3016, AA3017, AA3019, AA3020, AA3021, AA3025, AA3026, AA3030, AA3130, or AA306 5.

[0051] Non-limiting exemplary 4xxx series aluminum alloys for use in the methods described herein Examples include: AA4004, AA4104, AA4006, AA 4007, AA4008, AA4009, AA4010, AA4013, AA4014, AA4015, AA4015A, AA4115, AA4016, AA4017, AA40 18, AA4019, AA4020, AA4021, AA4026, AA4032, AA 4043, AA4043A, AA4143, AA4343, AA4643, AA4943 , AA4044, AA4045, AA4145, AA4145A, AA4046, AA4 047, AA4047A, or AA4147.

[0052] Non-limiting exemplary 5xxx series aluminum alloys for use in the methods described herein Examples include: AA5182, AA5183, AA5005, AA 5005A, AA5205, AA5305, AA5505, AA5605, AA5006 , AA5106, AA5010, AA5110, AA5110A, AA5210, AA5 310, AA5016, AA5017, AA5018, AA5018A, AA5019, AA5019A, AA5119, AA5119A, AA5021, AA5022, AA5 023, AA5024, AA5026, AA5027, AA5028, AA5040, A A5140, AA5041, AA5042, AA5043, AA5049, AA5149 , AA5249, AA5349, AA5449, AA5449A, AA5050, AA5 050A, AA5050C, AA5150, AA5051, AA5051A, AA515 1, AA5251, AA5251A, AA5351, AA5451, AA5052, AA 5252, AA5352, AA5154, AA5154A, AA5154B, AA515 4C, AA5254, AA5354, AA5454, AA5554, AA5654, AA 5654A, AA5754, AA5854, AA5954, AA5056, AA5356 , AA5356A, AA5456, AA5456A, AA5456B, AA5556, A A5556A, AA5556B, AA5556C, AA5257, AA5457, AA5 557, AA5657, AA5058, AA5059, AA5070, AA5180, A A5180A, AA5082, AA5182, AA5083, AA5183, AA518 3A, AA5283, AA5283A, AA5283B, AA5383, AA5483, AA5086, AA5186, AA5087, AA5187, or AA5088.

[0053] Non-limiting exemplary 6xxx series aluminum alloys for use in the methods described herein Examples include: AA6101, AA6101A, AA6101B, AA6201, AA6201A, AA6401, AA6501, AA6002, AA60 03, AA6103, AA6005, AA6005A, AA6005B, AA6005C , AA6105, AA6205, AA6305, AA6006, AA6106, AA62 06, AA6306, AA6008, AA6009, AA6010, AA6110, AA 6110A, AA6011, AA6111, AA6012, AA6012A, AA601 3, AA6113, AA6014, AA6015, AA6016, AA6016A, AA 6116, AA6018, AA6019, AA6020, AA6021, AA6022, AA6023, AA6024, AA6025, AA6026, AA6027, AA602 8, AA6031, AA6032, AA6033, AA6040, AA6041, AA6 042, AA6043, AA6151, AA6351, AA6351A, AA6451, AA6951, AA6053, AA6055, AA6056, AA6156, AA606 0, AA6160, AA6260, AA6360, AA6460, AA6460B, AA 6560, AA6660, AA6061, AA6061A, AA6261, AA6361 , AA6162, AA6262, AA6262A, AA6063, AA6063A, AA 6463, AA6463A, AA6763, 6963, AA6064, AA6064A, AA6065, AA6066, AA6068, AA6069, AA6070, AA6081, AA6181, AA6181A, AA6082, AA6082A, AA6182, AA6091, or AA6092.

[0054] Non-limiting exemplary 7xxx series aluminum alloys for use in the methods described herein include: AA7011, AA7019, AA7020, AA7021, AA7039, AA7072, AA7075, AA7085, AA7108, AA7108A, AA7015, AA7017, AA7018, AA7019A, AA7024, AA7025, AA7028, AA7030, AA7031, AA7033, AA7034, AA7035, AA7036, AA7037, AA7038, AA7039, AA7040, AA7041, AA7042, AA7043, AA7044, AA7045, AA7046, AA7047, AA7048, AA7049, AA7050, AA7051, AA7052, AA7053, AA7054, AA7055, AA7056, AA7057, AA7058, AA7059, AA7060, AA7061, AA7062, AA7063, AA7064, AA7065, AA7066, AA7067, AA7068, AA7069, AA7070, AA7071, AA7072, AA7075, AA7085, AA7108, AA7108A, AA7015, AA7017, AA7018, AA7019A, AA7024, AA7025, AA7 035, AA7035A, AA7046, AA7046A, AA7003, AA7004, AA7005, AA7009, AA7010, AA7011, AA70 12, AA7014, AA7016, AA7116, AA7122, AA7023, AA7026, AA7029, AA7129, AA7229, AA7032, AA7033, AA7034, AA7036, AA7136, AA7037, AA7040, AA7140, AA7041, AA7049, AA7049A, A A7149, 7204, AA7249, AA7349, AA7449, AA7050, AA7050A, AA7150, AA7250, AA7055, AA715 5, AA7255, AA7056, AA7060, AA7064, AA7065, AA7068, AA7168, AA7175, AA7475, AA7076, AA7178, AA7278, AA7278A, AA7081, AA7181, AA7185, AA7090, AA7093, AA7095, or AA7099.

[0055] Non-limiting exemplary 8xxx series aluminum alloys for use in the methods described herein include: AA8005, AA8006, AA8007, AA8008, AA8010, AA8011, AA8011A, AA8111, AA8211, AA8112, AA8014, AA8015, AA8016, AA8017, AA8018, AA8019, AA8021, AA8021A, AA8021B, AA8022, AA8023, AA8024, AA8025, AA8026, AA8030, AA8130, AA8040, AA8050, AA8150, AA8076, AA8076A, AA8176, AA8077, AA8177, AA8079, AA8090, AA8091, or AA8093. Exemplary Aspects

[0056] As used hereinafter, any reference to a series of embodiments should be understood as a reference to each of those embodiments separately (for example, "embodiments 1-4" should be understood as "embodiments 1, 2, 3, or 4").

[0057] Embodiment 1 is a method of producing a metal product, the method including continuously casting molten metal in a continuous casting machine to create a cast product, and applying ultrasonic frequency energy to the cast product at a location downstream of the continuous casting machine, the ultrasonic frequency energy propagating through the cast product to a solidification region of the cast product within the continuous casting machine.

[0058] Example 2 is the method of any previous or subsequent example, wherein the ultrasonic frequency energy corresponds to ultrasonic longitudinal waves generated by a sonotrode or ultrasonic transducer coupled to a pinch roll disposed downstream of the continuous caster.

[0059] Example 3 is a method as in any previous or subsequent example, wherein the ultrasonic frequency energy is an ultrasonic shear wave generated by a mechanical or electromechanical actuator and corresponds to an ultrasonic shear wave applied by pinch rolls disposed downstream of the continuous caster.

[0060] Aspect 4 is a method for generating ultrasonic frequency energy using a static magnetic field and an ultrasonic frequency electric field. The method of any preceding or subsequent aspect, wherein the ultrasonic frequency magnetohydrodynamic force is be.

[0061] Aspect 5 is any of the previous or further embodiments, wherein the ultrasonic frequency electric field is generated using an alternating voltage source. The method according to the following aspects is as follows.

[0062] Aspect 6 is any of the previous or further embodiments in which a static magnetic field is generated using a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The method according to the following aspects is as follows.

[0063] Aspect 7 is a method for generating ultrasonic frequency energy using ultrasonic frequency magnetic fields and electrostatic fields. The method of any preceding or subsequent aspect, wherein the ultrasonic frequency magnetohydrodynamic force is be.

[0064] In an eighth embodiment, the ultrasonic frequency magnetic field is generated using an electromagnet driven by an AC source. or any preceding or subsequent aspect.

[0065] Embodiment 9 is any previous or subsequent embodiment in which a DC voltage source is used to generate the electrostatic field. This is a method according to the present invention.

[0066] In a tenth aspect, the frequency of the ultrasonic frequency energy is about 10 kHz to about 100 kHz. or any preceding or subsequent aspect.

[0067] Embodiment 11 is a method for measuring ultrasound using an acoustic sensor or receiver that is placed at a location upstream of the coagulation region.

[0023] The method of any preceding or subsequent aspect, further comprising detecting wave frequency energy. This is the method described above.

[0068] Embodiment 12 is directed to a method for detecting ultrasonic frequency energy using an acoustic sensor or receiver. The received signal is used to measure one of the amplitude, frequency, or phase of ultrasonic frequency energy.

[0023] The method of any preceding or subsequent aspect, further comprising controlling .

[0069] Embodiment 13 is a method for detecting ultrasonic waves using an acoustic sensor or receiver. The received signal is used to change the frequency or phase position of the ultrasonic frequency energy (or The method of any preceding or subsequent aspect further includes It is law.

[0070] In a fourteenth aspect, an acoustic sensor or receiver provides (or provides) molten metal to a continuous caster. provide (or couple to) a trough or tundish; The method according to any preceding or subsequent aspect.

[0071] Embodiment 15 is directed to a method for treating a solidification region, comprising the steps of: forming a solidification region by forming a solidification region on a surface of the solidification region; The method of any preceding or subsequent aspect, wherein the

[0072] Embodiment 16 is directed to a method for treating a vascular endothelial cell, comprising the steps of: (a) administering a vascular endothelial cell to a patient in need of treatment; and (b) administering a vascular endothelial cell to the patient. or dispersing or deagglomerating nucleation sites. It is law.

[0073] Example 17 is the method of any previous example, wherein the metal product comprises an aluminum alloy. It is.

[0074] Embodiment 18 is a metal product made by or using the method of any of the previous embodiments.

[0075] All patents, publications, and abstracts cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The description of the foregoing embodiments, including the illustrated embodiments, has been presented solely for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. 1. A method for manufacturing a metal product, comprising: continuously casting the molten metal in a continuous casting machine to produce a cast product; and applying ultrasonic frequency energy to the cast product at a location downstream of the continuous casting machine, the ultrasonic frequency energy propagating through the cast product to a solidification region of the cast product within the continuous casting machine.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic frequency energy corresponds to ultrasonic longitudinal waves generated by a sonotrode or ultrasonic transducer coupled to a pinch roll disposed at the downstream position of the continuous caster.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic frequency energy corresponds to ultrasonic shear waves generated by a mechanical or electromechanical actuator and applied by pinch rolls disposed at the downstream position of the continuous caster.

4. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic frequency energy corresponds to an ultrasonic frequency magnetohydrodynamic force generated using a static magnetic field and an ultrasonic frequency electric field.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the ultrasonic frequency electric field is generated using an alternating current voltage source.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the static magnetic field is generated using a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic frequency energy corresponds to an ultrasonic frequency magnetohydrodynamic force generated using an ultrasonic frequency magnetic field and an electrostatic field.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic frequency magnetic field is generated using an electromagnet driven by an alternating current source.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the electrostatic field is generated using a DC voltage source.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the frequency of the ultrasonic frequency energy is from about 10 kHz to about 100 kHz.

11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising detecting ultrasonic frequency energy with an acoustic sensor or receiver located at a location upstream of the coagulation region.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising controlling one or more of an amplitude, a frequency, or a phase of the ultrasonic frequency energy using a signal derived from the ultrasonic frequency energy detected with the acoustic sensor or receiver.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising using a signal derived from the ultrasonic frequency energy detected with the acoustic sensor or receiver to shift a frequency or phase position of the ultrasonic frequency energy.

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the acoustic sensor or receiver is coupled to a trough or tundish that provides the molten metal to the continuous caster.

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic frequency energy physically interacts with growing metal particles within the solidification region.

16. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic frequency energy fragments dendrites or disperses or deagglomerates nucleation sites within the solidified region.

17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the metal product comprises an aluminum alloy.

18. A metal product manufactured by or using the method of any preceding claim.

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