Effect of Ti and Ce Microalloy on Microstructure and Properties of Al-Si-Cu-Zr-Sr Cast Aluminum Alloy

The effect of Ti and Ce microalloying on the mechanical properties of Al-9Si-3.5Cu-0.2Zr-0.1Sr cast aluminum alloy was investigated,and it was hoped that the cast aluminum alloy with excellent comprehensive properties could be obtained.On the basis of Zr-Sr microalloyed cast aluminum alloy(Al-9Si-3.5Cu-0.2Zr-0.1Sr),the effects of 0.2Zr-0.1Sr-0.16Ti ternary microalloying and 0.2Zr-0.1Sr-0.16Ti-0.1Ce quaternary microalloying on the microstructure and properties of the alloy were investigated.The experimental results show that compared with Zr-Sr microalloying,Zr-Sr-Ti microalloying and Zr-Sr-Ti-Ce microalloying can effectively refine the microstructure,improve the modification effect of Si phase,and promote the improvement of Al_(2)Cu phase,thus improving the properties.The higher the degree of microalloying,the hardness is gradually increasing,but the electrical conductivity is gradually decreasing.Zr-Sr-Ti microalloying can increase the tensile strength of the alloy to 400.07 MPa and the elongation to 9.5%.Zr-Sr-Ti-Ce microalloying do not continue to improve the properties of the alloy,and the tensile strength and elongation after fracture decrease to a certain extent due to the addition of Ce.Therefore,the best comprehensive properties can be obtained by ZrSr-Ti microalloying(Al-9Si-3.5Cu-0.2Zr-0.1Sr-0.16Ti).

Fatigue Characterization on a Cast Aluminum Beam of a High-Speed Train Through Numerical Simulation and Experiments

The cast aluminum beam is a key structure for carrying the body-hung traction motor of a high-speed train;its fatigue property is fundamental for predicting the residual life and service mileage of the structure.To characterize the structural fatigue property,a finite element-based method is developed to compute the stress concentration factor,which is used to obtain the structural fatigue strength reduction factors.A full-scale fatigue test on the cast aluminum beam is designed and implemented for up to ten million cycles,and the corresponding finite element model of the beam is validated using the measured data of the gauges.The results show that the maximum stress concentration occurs at the fillet of the supporting seat,where the structural fatigue strength reduction factor is 2.45 and the calculated fatigue limit is 35.4 MPa.Moreover,no surface cracks are detected using the liquid penetrant test.Both the experimental and simulation results indicate that the cast aluminum beam can satisfy the service life requirements under the designed loading conditions.

Microstructure and properties of vacuum counter-pressure cast aluminum alloy

The microstructure and properties of vacuum counter-pressure cast aluminum alloy were studied. Results indicated that under the condition of vacuum counter-pressure, liquid melts fill mould cavity under the vacuum and crystallize under high pressure which have very good effect on nucleation and solidification feeding. Compared with gravity casting, the microstructure of vacuum counter-pressure cast aluminum alloy is much finer and more uniformly distributed. Mechanical properties of vacuum counter-pressure cast aluminum alloy are improved significantly.

Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Pressure on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Die Cast Aluminum Alloys

A study of the effects of pressure on the microstructure and mechanical properties of two aluminum alloys (A1350 and A380) was carried out and subsequent analysis made. Pressure was regulated at various levels in the die cast machine. Samples of both alloys were cast under varying regulated applied pressure. The mechanical properties of both alloy casts were tested and microstructure analysis done and the results compared for both alloys. The results obtained show that hardness, tensile strength, yield strength and impact strengths for both alloy cast samples followed similar pattern in the casting process. The hardness values increased with applied pressure but not too significantly in both alloy casts as pressure rose in the casting process. The yield strength of both alloy casts also increased with applied pressure. The impact strength and elongations also increased with applied pressure in both alloy casts. Also the microstructure analysis carried out on both alloy casts showed similar pattern of structural changes in the morphologies of both alloy casts as grains became fine as pressure rose from 350 to 1400 kg/cm2. Models were developed for the results and for all the models developed, a close relationship with the experimental results were underlying in view of the small errors generated by them and can be used to predict the experimental values.

Machining studies of die cast aluminum alloy-silicon carbide composites

Metal matrix composites （MMCs） with high specific stiffness, high strength, improved wear resistance, and thermal properties are being increasingly used in advanced structural, aerospace, automotive, electronics, and wear applications. Aluminum alloy-silicon carbide composites were developed using a new combination of the vortex method and the pressure die-casting technique in the present work. Machining studies were conducted on the aluminum alloy-silicon carbide （SiC） composite work pieces using high speed steel （HSS） end-mill tools in a milling machine at different speeds and feeds. The quantitative studies on the machined work piece show that the surface finish is better for higher speeds and lower feeds. The surface roughness of the plain aluminum alloy is better than that of the aluminum alloy-silicon carbide composites. The studies on tool wear show that flank wear increases with speed and feed. The end-mill tool wear is higher on machining the aluminum alloy-silicon carbide composites than on machining the plain aluminum alloy.

Non-metallic Inclusions in Continuously Cast Aluminum Killed Steels

In aluminum killed steels, the size, shape, quantity and formation of non-metallic inclusions in ladle steel (before and after RH vacuum treatment) and in tundish as well as in slabs were studied by EPMA (Electron Probe Microanalysis) and by analyzing the total oxygen. The results showed that in the slabs the total oxygen was quite low and the inclusions discovered were mainly small-sized angular alumina inclusions. This indicates that most inclusions have been removed by floating out during the continuous casting process. In addition, the countermeasures were discussed to decrease the alumina inclusions in the slabs further.

Mould filling ability and microstructure of aluminum alloy under electromagnetic die casting

In order to solve the mould filling problem of large thin walled aluminum alloy castings effectively, a new casting technology called electromagnetic die casting has been developed. Emphasis has laid on studying the mould filling ability and microstructure under the mentioned method. The results show that the mould filling ability of A357 is increasing continually with the increasing of the input voltage, that is, the magnetic induction intensity. The pressure head of the molten metal increases from the lowest one at the input of the mould to the highest one at the end of the mould while in a conventional mould the pressure head depends invariably on the sprue height. Under electromagnetic die casting, the grains of A357 alloy are refined, and the pattern of eutectic silicon of alloy changes from rough plate to smooth strip.

基于ProCAST的铝合金罩盖重力铸造成型的模拟优化

铝合金罩盖外形复杂,综合性能和质量要求高。基于ProCAST软件对铝合金罩盖重力铸造成型进行仿真分析,对铝合金罩盖结构和重力铸造成型参数进行优化,并对优化前后铸件进行对比。结果表明:铝合金罩盖铸件体收缩率较大,需要设计冒口补缩且铸件需要进行热处理;铝合金罩盖重力铸造成型的加强筋连接汇合处的缩孔和缩松较多、凝固特性较差;优化的铝合金罩盖结构和重力铸造成型参数可以改善铸件的壁厚及缩孔缩松。

Effect of Electromagnetic Frequency on Microstructures of Continuous Casting Aluminum Alloys

The relationship between electromagnetic frequency and microstructures of continuous casting aluminum alloys was studied. 7075 aluminum alloy ingot of 100 mm in diameter was produced by electromagnetic continuous casting process, the microstructures of as-cast ingot was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results showed that electromagnetic frequency greatly influenced segregation and microstructures of as-cast ingot, and product quality can be guaranteed by the application of a proper frequency. Electromagnetic frequency plays a significant role in solute redistribution; low frequency is more efficient for promoting solution of alloying elements.

Die Casting Mold Design of the Thin-walled Aluminum Case by Computational Solidification Simulation

Recently, demand for the lightweight alloy in electric/electronic housings has been greatly increased. However, among the lightweight alloys, aluminum alloy thin-walled die casting is problematic because it is quite difficult to achieve sufficient fluidity and feedability to fill the thin cavity as the wall thickness becomes less than 1mm. Therefore, in this study, thin-walled die casting of aluminum （Al-Si-Cu alloy： ALDC 12） in size of notebook computer housing and thickness of 0.8 mm was investigated by solidification simulation （MAGMA soft） and actual casting experiment （Buhler Evolution B 53D）. Three different types of gating design, finger, tangential and split type with 6 vertical runners, were simulated and the results showed that sound thin-walled die casting was possible with tangential and split type gating design because those gates allowed aluminum melt to flow into the thin cavity uniformly and split type gating system was preferable gating design comparing to tangential type gating system at the point of view of soundness of casting and distortion generated after solidification. Also, the solidification simulation agreed well with the actual die-casting and the casting showed no casting defects and distortion.

Microstructure of aluminum twin-roll casting based on Cellular Automation

Nucleation and growth model based on Cellular Automation(CA) incorporated with macro heat transfer calculation was presented to simulate the microstructure of aluminum twin-roll casting. The dynamics model of dendrite tip (KGT model) was amended in view of characteristics of aluminum twin-roll casting. Through the numerical simulation on solidification structure under different casting speeds, it can be seen that when the casting speed is 1.3 m/min, that is, under conditions of conventional roll casting, coarse columnar grains dominate the solidification structure, and equiaxed grains exist in the center of aluminum strip. When the casting speed continuously increases to 8 m/min, that is, under the conditions of thin-gauge high-speed casting, columnar grains in solidification structure all convert into equiaxed grains. Experimental and numerical results agree well.

Semi-solid near-net shape rheocasting of heat treatable wrought aluminum alloys

Flexibility of the CSIR-RCS, induction stirring with simultaneous air cooling process, in combination with high pressure die casting is successfully demonstrated by semi-solid rheocasting of plates performed on commercial 2024, 6082 and 7075 wrought aluminum alloys.Tensile properties were measured for the above mentioned rheocast wrought aluminum alloys in the T6 condition.The results showed that tensile properties were close to or even in some cases exceeded the minimum specifications.The yield strength and elongation of rheocast 2024-T6 exceeded the minimum requirements of the wrought alloy in the T6 condition but the ultimate tensile strength achieved only 90% of the specification because the Mg content of the starting alloy was below the commercial alloy specification.The strengths of rheocast 6082-T6 exceeded all of the wrought alloy T6 strength targets but the elongation only managed 36% of the required minimum due to porosity, caused by incipient melting during solution heat treatment, and the presence of fine intermetallic needles in the eutectic.The yield strength of rheocast 7075 exceeded the required one and the ultimate tensile strength also managed 97% of the specification; while the elongation only reached 46% of the minimum requirement also due to incipient melting porosity caused during the solution heat treatment process.

Effect of synergistic action of ultrasonic vibration and solidification pressure on tensile properties of vacuum counter-pressure casting aluminum alloy

The effect of synergistic action of ultrasonic vibration and solidification pressure on tensile properties of vacuum counter-pressure casting ZL114 A alloys was studied systemically through testing and analyzing the tensile strength and elongation subjected to different ultrasonic powers and solidification pressures. The results indicate that the synergistic action of ultrasonic vibration and solidification pressure can result in the refinement of grains and improvement of tensile properties. Both the highest tensile strength and elongation of aluminum alloy were obtained under synergistic action of 600 W ultrasonic power and 350 kPa solidification pressure. Moreover, the tensile fracture morphology shows obvious ductile fracture characteristics. When the solidification pressure is lower than 300 kPa, the effect of ultrasonic power on tensile strength and elongation is more obvious, but when the solidification pressure is higher than 300 kPa, the effect of solidification pressure on tensile strength and elongation is greater. Meanwhile, the size and morphology of the eutectic silicon were improved significantly by the ultrasonic vibration and pressurized solidification. The strip and massive eutectic silicon phase are completely converted into small short rod-like and evenly distributed Si phases at the grain boundary of primary α-Al.

Production of A356 aluminum alloy wheels by thixo-forging combined with a low superheat casting process

The A356 aluminum alloy wheels were produced by thixo-forging combined with a low superheat casting process.The as-cast microstructure,microstructure evolution during reheating and the mechanical properties of thixo-forged wheels made from the A356 aluminum alloy were studied.The results show that the A356 aluminum alloy round billet with fine,uniform and non-dendritic grains can be obtained when the melt is cast at 635 oC.When the round billet is reheated at 600 oC for 60 min,the non-dendritic grains are changed into spherical ones and the round billet can be easily thixo-forged into wheels.The tensile strength,yield strength and elongation of the thixo-forged wheels with T6 heat treatment are 327.6 MPa,228.3 MPa and7.8%,respectively,which are higher than those of a cast wheel.It is suggested that the thixo-forging combined with the low superheat casting process is an effective technique to produce aluminum alloy wheels with high mechanical properties.

Gating system optimization of low pressure casting A356 aluminum alloy intake manifold based on numerical simulation

To eliminate the shrinkage porosity in low pressure casting of an A356 aluminum alloy intake manifold casting, numerical simulation on fi lling and solidifi cation processes of the casting was carried out using the ProCAST software. The gating system of the casting is optimized according to the simulation results. Results show that when the gating system consists of only one sprue, the fi lling of the molten metal is not stable; and the casting does not follow the sequence solidifi cation, and many shrinkage porosities are observed through the casting. After the gating system is improved by adding one runner and two in-gates, the fi lling time is prolonged from 4.0 s to 4.5 s, the fi lling of molten metal becomes stable, but this casting does not follow the sequence solidifi cation either. Some shrinkage porosity is also observed in the hot spots of the casting. When the gating system was further improved by adding risers and chill to the hot spots of the casting, the shrinkage porosity defects were eliminated completely. Finally, by using the optimized gating system the A356 aluminum alloy intake manifold casting with integrated shape and smooth surface as well as dense microstructure was successfully produced.

Technology and mechanism of a new protein-based core sand for aluminum casting

The protein based binding material is from natural products, which is nontoxic and recyclable. This kind of green binder is earnestly needed by aluminum casting products. The new protein based core possesses higher strength and easier shakeout. Its tensile strength is close to that of common resin sands. The micro mechanism of protein binder was investigated by using infrared spectrum, chemical element analysis, SEM and thermal lost mass analysis.

Squeeze casting of aluminum alloy A380: Microstructure and tensile behavior

A380 alloy with a relatively thick cross-section of 25 mm was squeeze cast using a hydraulic press with an applied pressure of 90 MPa. Microstructure and tensile properties of the squeeze cast A380 were characterized and evaluated in comparison with the die cast counterpart. Results show that the squeeze cast A380 possesses a porosity level much lower than the die cast alloy, which is disclosed by both optical microscopy and the density measurement technique. The results of tensile testing indicate the improved tensile properties, specifically ultimate tensile strength(UTS: 215.9 MPa) and elongation(Ef: 5.4%), for the squeeze cast samples over those of the conventional high-pressure die cast part(UTS: 173.7 MPa, Ef: 1.0%). The analysis of tensile behavior shows that the squeeze cast A380 exhibits a high tensile toughness(8.5 MJ·m-3) and resilience(179.3 k J·m-3) compared with the die cast alloy(toughness: 1.4 MJ·m-3, resilience: 140.6 k J·m-3), despite that, during the onset of plastic deformation, the strain-hardening rate of the die cast specimen is higher than that of the squeeze cast specimens. The microstructure analyzed by the scanning electron microscopy(SEM) shows that both the squeeze and die cast specimens contain the primary α-Al, Al2 Cu, Al5 Fe Si phase and the eutectic Si phase. But, the Al2 Cu phase present in the squeeze cast alloy is relatively large in size and quantity. The SEM fractography evidently reveals the ductile fracture features of the squeeze cast A380 alloy.

Numerical Simulation of Microporosity Evolution of Aluminum Alloy Castings

A mathematical model to calculate the size and distribution of microporosities was studied and coupled with a stochastic microstructure evolution model. The model incorporates various solidification phenomena such as grain structure evolution, solidification shrinkage, interdendritic fluid flow and formation and growth of pores during solidification processes. The nucleation and growth of grains were modeled with a cellular automaton method that utilizes the results from a macro scale modeling of the solidification process. Experiments were made to validate the proposed models. The calculated results of aluminum alloy castings agreed with the experimental measurements.

A study on the effect of coating's sorption capacity on the porosity in lost foam aluminum alloy casting

Effects of coating constituent, coating density, coating layer thickness and temperature on coating sorption capacity for polystyrene decomposition products have been studied systematically. It has been found that the effect of attapulgite clay on sorption capacity is the largest among coating constituents. The sorption capacity of the coating with 2% attapulgite clay is elevated by 81%. The relationship between casting porosity and coating sorption capacity has been studied. It has been pointed out that higher coating sorption capacity for polystyrene decomposition products is helpful to decrease the casting porosity. Results also show that the sorption capacity of self-developed HW-1 coating for polystyrene decomposition products is as good as that of Ashland coating from America.