Effect of pulse magnetic field on solidification structure and properties of pure copper

The application of pulse magnetic field to metal solidification is an advanced technique which can remarkably refine solidification structure. In this paper, the effect of pulse magnetic field on solidification structure, mechanical properties and conductivity of pure copper was experimentally investigated. The results showed that the solidification structure transformed from coarse columnar crystal to fine globular crystal with increasing pulse voltage. Increasing pulse voltage also improved the tensile strength. However, with the increase of pulse voltage, the elongation and electrical resistivity firstly decreased, then increased when the pulse voltage beyond a critical value. Moreover, in some conditions, pulse magnetic field can simultaneously improve the conductivity and mechanical property of pure copper.