The use of various external influences to influence metal melts (vibration, ultrasound, etc.) is a known method of changing the structure and properties of metals and alloys. In the overwhelming majority, all methods of external action on melts cause grinding of the metal structure, which leads to an increase in strength characteristics. The paper considers a new method of external physical action on molten metal, namely, electromagnetic pulses. Work on the investigation of the impulse effect on metal melts is conducted in two laboratories: in Chelyabinsk (the laboratory of Professor Krymsky V.V.) and in Khabarovsk (in the laboratory of Ri Josen). If at the beginning only small masses of metal were processed in the laboratory, now the work is at the industrial level. Masses of processed metal reach 2 tons. The article summarizes and structures the results of the conducted studies on the effect on nonferrous metal melts with powerful electromagnetic pulses. General regularities of such influence on the structure and properties of the metal are established. The results of such effects on pure metals (aluminum, zinc) and on aluminum alloys are provided. It is established that impulse processing contributes to a decrease in the porosity of castings, an increase in metal density, and a decrease in electrical resistivity. Also, in pulsed processing, a grinding of the metal grains occurs, an increase in the solubility of the main components in the alpha phase, and changes for the eutectic in the structure. An interesting fact is the simultaneous increase in the properties of the strength and plasticity of the metal.
Keywords: aluminum alloy; melt treatment out in a furnace; microstructure and properties; nanosecond electromagnetic pulses; ultrasonic treatment of metals.