Modeling pore growth in semi-solid alloy foams

The hydrodynamically controlled growth of closely spaced bubbles in a semi-solid alloy matrix is investigated. Specific attention is given to controlled pore growth during the formation of porous intermetallics for use as structural implant materials. Growth models are derived using three distinct relationships for the rheology of semi-solid alloys at various solid fractions. A cell model is used to represent the effect of spacing on bubble growth. The resulting models are solved numerically and compared for a variety of cases.