Variables
Description
What is this formula?
The Fraction Solidified estimates the proportion of an alloy that has transformed from liquid to solid during solidification. It is commonly used in casting, metallurgy, and solidification modeling.
When to use it
Use this formula when an alloy is cooling within its solidification range and an estimate of the solid fraction is required. It is particularly useful for casting simulations, feeding analysis, and microstructure prediction.
Example
An alloy has:
TL = 700 °C
TS = 600 °C
T = 650 °C
Formula:
fs = (TL - T)/(TL - TS)
Substitution:
fs = (700 - 650)/(700 - 600)
fs = 50/100
Result:
fs = 0.50
Approximately 50% of the alloy has solidified.
Applications
- Casting process design
- Solidification modeling
- Metallurgical simulations
- Feeding and shrinkage analysis
- Continuous casting
- Alloy development
Note
This equation is a simplified linear approximation between the liquidus and solidus temperatures. Real alloys often exhibit non-linear solidification behavior due to segregation, phase transformations, and complex phase diagram effects. More advanced models may be required for accurate industrial calculations.