Abstract: Surface tension of liquid alloy has important influence on the crystallization process of casting, the separation of gas from alloy, alloy inoculation effect, refining effect, and the surface roughness of castings. In order to evaluate the quality parameters of liquid alloy by utilizing surface tension, a new method and a device are developed. The working principle of the new method and device and their application in graphite shape identification of cast iron and modification effect of aluminum alloy are introduced. Experimental results show that the graphite shape of cast iron and modification effect of Al-Si alloys can be fast predicted by utilizing the equivalent surface tension according to the corresponding criteria.

Key words: Foundry engineering, Liquid alloy, Surface tension