Microstructure character of AZ80 magnesium alloy ingots cast under electromagnetic vibration

Microstructure evolutions of an AZ80 magnesium alloy ingot with 300 mm in diameter cast with and without the electromagnetic vibration was investigated. The microstructures of the ingot cast with the conventional DC exhibited relatively fine dendritic grains at the surface area, but coarse dendritic grains at the 1/2 radius and large equiaxed dendritic grains at the center. However, under the electromagnetic vibration casting condition, the microstructures of the ingot is significantly refined, especially those at the surface and at the center.