Abstract: A method based on die casting experiments and mathematic modeling is presented for the determination of the heat flow density (HFD) and interfacial heat transfer coefficient (IHTC) during the high pressure die casting (HPDC) process. Experiments were carried out using step shape casting and a commercial magnesium alloy, AM50. Temperature profiles were measured and recorded using thermocouples embedded inside the die. Based on these temperature readings, the HFD and IHTC were successfully determined and the calculation results show that the HFD and IHTC at the metal-die interface increases sharply right after the fast phase injection process until approaching their maximum values, after which their values decrease to a much lower level until the dies are opened. Different patterns of heat transfer behavior were found between the die and the casting at different thicknesses. The thinner the casting was, the more quickly the HFD and IHTC reached their steady states. Also, the values for both the HFD and IHTC values were different between die and casting at different thicknesses.

Key words: Interfacial heat transfer coefficient, High pressure die casting process, AM50, Magnesium alloy