THE MICROSTRUCTURE FORMATION IN CASTING OF TECHNICAL ALLOYS UNDER DIFFUSIVE AND
MAGNETICALLY CONTROLLED CONVECTIVE CONDITIONS-2 (MICAST-2)
Research Area: Materials Science
Expedition(s): 27-30, 33-42
Principal Investigator(s): ● Lorenz Ratke, German Aerospace Center (DLR) · Institute of
Materials Research, Cologne, Germany
● Yves Fautrelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique,
Grenoble, France
● Andras Roosz, University of Miskolc, Miskolc, Hungary
● Gerhard Zimmermann G., ACCESS e.V., Aachen, Germany
● Jacques Lacaze, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
(CNRS), Cirimat, Toulouse, France
● Sadik Dost, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
● David Poirier, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona,
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Microgravity offers a unique way to study the solidification of metal mixtures, or alloys. The
Microstructure Formation in Casting of Technical Alloys under Diffusive and Magnetically
Controlled Convective Conditions-2 (MICAST-2) investigation will study a magnetic field’s
influence on the solidification of alloys containing aluminum-silicon (AlSi) and aluminum-silicon-
iron (AlSiFe). The experiment will also inform computer models of metal casting, which could
help the metals industry design better mixtures and processes.
EARTH BENEFITS
The microgravity environment of the
International Space Station is key for alloy
research because gravity-induced actions are
eliminated, and turbulence or convection can be
carefully manipulated by the researchers. The
experiments could improve ground-based
development of new lightweight, high-
performance materials that can be used in
future space missions.
SPACE BENEFITS
The MICAST experiments produces data that enhances computer models simulating metal
solidification on Earth. Knowledge gained from the MICAST experiments helps to improve
ground-based metal casting processes, leading to new stronger, lightweight materials.
This investigation is ongoing and additional results are pending publication.
Frank De Winne works with Materials Science
Laboratory hardware in the Destiny laboratory.
NASA Image.