Effect of rotating magnetic field on the microstructure and properties of Cu-12Sn-2Ni alloy based on multi-physical field simulation

The present study prepared the Cu-12Sn-2Ni alloy by semi-continuous casting with rotating magnetic field (RMF), and the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties were investigated. RMF application transformed the microstructure from coarse to fine equiaxed grains, reducing the average grain size from 587 μm to 319 μm. The tensile and yield strength of the alloy increased by 11.1% and 8.5%, respectively, the elongation increased from 6.3% to 11.2%, and the hardness increased by approximately 20.9%. Numerical modeling indicated RMF promotes grain refinement by homogenizing temperature and solute fields, increasing constitutional undercooling, and causing dendrite fragmentation. This study provides a reliable method for improving the strength and ductility of non-aging strengthened alloys.