Quality index and hot tearing susceptibility of Al–7Si–0.35Mg–xCu alloys

The effects of Cu addition (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 3%, mass fraction) on the quality index (Q_i) and hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) of A356 alloy were investigated. According to the results, Cu addition up to 1.5% increases the Q_i by almost 10%, which seems to be due to its solid solution strengthening and dispersion hardening effect of Cu-rich Al₂Cu and AlMgCuSi compounds. However, further addition of Cu (up to 3%) decreases the Q_i by almost 12%, which is likely due to the reduction of tensile strength and elongation caused by increased volume fraction of brittle Cu-rich intermetallics and microporosities in the microstructure. It is also found that Cu increases the HTS of A356 alloy measured by constrained rod casting method. According to the thermal analysis results, Cu widens the solidification range of the alloy, which in turn, decreases its fluidity and increases the time period during which the mushy-state alloy is exposed to the hot tearing susceptible zone. SEM examination of the hot tear surfaces in high-Cu alloys also demonstrates their rough nature and the occurrence of interdendritic/intergranular microcracks as convincing evidences for the initiation of hot tears in the late stages of solidification in which there is not enough time for crack healing.     

Determining hot cracking index of Al–Si–Cu–Mg casting alloys calculated using effective solidification range

The possibility of determining the hot cracking index using the calculated value of the effective solidification range is investigated for multicomponent cast aluminium alloys based on the system Al–Si–Cu–Mg with Mn, Ni, Fe and Zn additives. The upper limit of the effective solidification range was calculated as the temperature of formation of 65 wt-% solid phase using Sheil model. The linear relationship of the hot cracking index and the effective solidification range in the industrial and experimental multicomponent alloys based on the Al–Si–Cu–Mg system is demonstrated.     

Design and application of a multichannel “cross” hot tearing tendency device: A study on hot tearing tendency of Al alloys

Hot tearing is one of the most serious defects during the casting solidification process. In this study, a new type of multichannel “cross” hot tearing device was designed. The hot cracks initiation and propagation were predicted by the relationship between temperature, shrinkage force and solidification time during the casting solidification process. The reliability and practicability of the multichannel “cross” hot tearing device were verified by casting experiments and numerical simulations. The theoretical calculation based on Clyne-Davies model and numerical simulation results show that the hot tearing tendency decreases in the order: 2024 Al alloy>Al-Cu alloy>Al-Si alloy at a pouring temperature of 670 °C and a mold temperature of 25 °C. Feeding of liquid films at the end of solidification plays an important role in the propagation process of hot tearing. The decrease of hot tearing tendency is attributed to the feeding of liquid film and intergranular bridging.

     

Modelling of microsegregation in ternary alloys: Application to the solidification of Al–Mg–Si

A fast numerical model has been developed for the quantitative prediction of microsegregation during solidification of ternary alloys. Considering a small volume of uniform temperature, the back-diffusion equations in the primary solid phase are solved in a 1-dimensional configuration using an implicit finite difference formulation with a Landau transformation onto a fixed [0,1] interval. The other phases which may precipitate during solidification are supposed to be stoichiometric and at equilibrium while the liquid is in a state of complete mixing. These calculations are coupled with phase diagram data through the use of mapping files: the liquidus surface, the monovariant lines and all the pertaining information are mapped through calls to Thermo-Calc [B. Sundman, B. Jansson and J. O. Andersson, CALPHAD, 9, 153 (1985)], prior to starting the microsegregation calculation itself. This very efficient microsegregation model can thus be coupled directly to macrosegregation computations performed at the scale of a whole casting: from the average enthalpy and concentrations variations computed at each mesh point of a casting during one time step, this microsegregation model is capable of predicting the variations of temperature, of the volume fractions of the various phases, of the liquid concentrations and of the average density. The efficiency of this coupling between microsegregation calculation and thermodynamic mapping files is demonstrated in the particular case of the Al–Mg–Si system.     

Effect of pressure on solidification cracking susceptibility of Al–Si alloys

ABSTRACT

An approach was developed to calculate the crack susceptibility under various levels of pressure, and the corresponding numerical method was presented. The binary Al–Si alloy system was selected for study because the effect of high pressure on its phase diagram has been reported. The results showed a higher pressure can lead to a higher crack susceptibility and shift the most crack susceptible composition to higher solute contents. It was found a higher pressure can increase the effect of back diffusion on the solidification path and hence the crack susceptibility. This study provides a new understanding of the effect of pressure on solidification cracking susceptibility and can be a relevant starting point for studying solidification cracking under high pressures.     

Effects of minor Sc and Zr additions on mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys

The effects of minor Sc and Zr additions on the mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys were studied using tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ultimate tensile strength of the peak-aged Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloy is improved by about 105 MPa with the addition of 0.10% Zr. An increase of about 133 MPa is observed with the joint addition of 0.07% Sc and 0.07% Zr. For the alloys modified with the minor addition of Sc and Zr (0.14%), the main strengthening mechanisms of minor addition of Sc and Zr are fine-grain strengthening, sub-structure strengthening and the Orowan strengthening mechanism produced by the Al₃(Sc,Zr) and Al₃Zr dispersoids. The volume of Al₃Zr particles is less than that of Al₃(Sc,Zr) particles, but the distribution of Al₃(Sc,Zr) particles is more dispersed throughout the matrix leading to pinning the dislocations motion and restraining the recrystallization more effectively.     

Theoretical design and distribution control of precipitates and solute elements in Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys with heterostructure

In order to simultaneously improve strength and formability, an analytical model for the concentration distribution of precipitates and solute elements is established and used to theoretically design and control the heterogeneous microstructure of Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys. The results show that the dissolution of precipitates is mainly affected by particle size and heat treatment temperature, the heterogeneous distribution level of solute elements diffused in the alloy matrix mainly depends on the grain size, while the heat treatment temperature only has an obvious effect on the concentration distribution in the larger grains, and the experimental results of Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloy are in good agreement with the theoretical model predictions of precipitates and solute element concentration distribution. Controlling the concentration distribution of precipitates and solute elements in Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys is the premise of accurately constructing heterogeneous microstructure in micro-domains, which can be used to significantly improve the formability of Al−Zn−Mg−Cu alloys with a heterostructure.     

Determining hot cracking index of Al–Mg–Zn casting alloys calculated using effective solidification range

The possibility of determining the hot cracking index using the calculated value of the effective solidification range is investigated for multicomponent cast aluminium alloys based on the Al–Mg–Zn system with Mn, Ni, Fe and Si additives. The upper limit of the effective solidification range was calculated as the temperature of formation of a 65?wt-% solid phase using the Sheil model. The linear relationship of the hot cracking index and the effective solidification range in the industrial and experimental multicomponent alloys based on the Al–Mg–(Zn) system is demonstrated.     

Microstructure and hot cracking susceptibility of high conductivity Al–Fe–Si alloys

Aluminium–silicon based casting alloys have been extensively utilised in various industrial applications, but their relatively low electrical and thermal conductivities make them unsuitable for high conductivity parts. In this research, Al–Fe–Si based high conductivity alloys containing limited silicon content were investigated. Al–0·5Fe–xSi alloys with silicon ranging from 0·5 to 2% showed significantly higher electrical conductivity than conventional Al–Si based alloys. The hot cracking susceptibility of Al–Fe–Si alloys became seriously high as the Si content increased up to 1·5%, then susceptibility rapidly reduced with the further increase in Si. The relationship between solidification characteristics and hot cracking susceptibility of Al–0·5Fe–xSi alloys was discussed based on the thermal and cooling curve analyses and microstructural observations.     

On the relation between the chemical composition and the strength of high-temperature deformable Al−Cu−Mg alloys under various kinds of static tests

Conclusions  

Microstructure and mechanical properties of squeeze-cast Al−5.0Mg−3.0Zn−1.0Cu alloys in solution-treated and aged conditions

The microstructure and mechanical properties at different depths of squeeze-cast, solution-treated and aged Al−5.0Mg−3.0Zn−1.0Cu alloy were investigated. For squeeze-cast alloy, from casting surface to interior, the grain size of α(Al) matrix and width of T-Mg₃₂(AlZnCu)₄₉ phase increase significantly, while the volume fraction of T phase decreases. The related mechanical properties including ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation decrease from 243.7 MPa and 2.3% to 217.9 MPa and 1.4%, respectively. After solution treatment at 470 °C for 36 h, T phase is dissolved into matrix, and the grain size increases so that the UTS and elongation from surface to interior are respectively reduced from 387.8 MPa and 18.6% to 348.9 MPa and 13.9%. After further peak-aging at 120 °C for 24 h, numerous G.P. II zone and η′ phase precipitate in matrix. Consequently, UTS values of the surface and interior increase to 449.5 and 421.4 MPa, while elongation values decrease to 12.5% and 8.1%, respectively.     

Influence of Al addition on microstructures of Cu−B alloys and Cu−ZrB2 composites

The influence of Al addition on the microstructure of Cu−B alloys and Cu−ZrB₂ composites was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and first-principles calculation. The results show that the eutectic B in Cu−B alloys can be modified by Al from coarse needles to fine fibrous structure and primary B will form in hypoeutectic Cu−B alloys. As for Cu−ZrB₂ composites, Al can significantly refine and modify the morphology of ZrB₂ as well as improve its distribution, which should be due to its selective adsorption on ZrB₂ surfaces. The first-principles calculation results indicate that Al is preferentially adsobed on ZrB₂ (12(__)10), then on ZrB₂ (101(__)0), and finally on ZrB₂ (0001). As a result, smaller sized ZrB₂ with a polyhedron-like, even nearly sphere-like morphology, can form. Due to Al addition, the hardness of Cu−ZrB₂ composites is greatly enhanced, but the electrical conductivity of the composites is seriously reduced.     

Age hardening phenomena of rapidly quenched non-combustible Mg−Al−Si−Ca and Mg−Zn−Ca alloys

Non-combustible Mg−Al−Si and Mg−Zn base alloys containing Ca were rapidly quenched via melt spinning. The melt-spun ribbons were aged, and then the effects of additional elements on age hardening behavior and microstructural change were investigated. Age hardening occurred after aging at 200°C in the Mg−Al−Si−Ca alloys mainly due to the formation of Al₂Ca or Mg₂Ca phases, whereas it occurred in the Mg−Zn−Ca alloys mostly due to the distribution of Mg₆Ca₂Zn₃ and Mg₂Ca. With the increase of Ca content, the hardness values of the aged ribbons were increased. In this study, Mg−6Zn−5Ca alloy showed the maximum peak hardness after aging at 200°C for 1 hour. On the contrary, Mg−xZn−1.5Ca alloys couldn't show the pronounced peak hardness because of low Ca content.     

Relationship between color and composition of Cu-Mn-Zn alloys

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Effect of grain refiner and grain size on the susceptibility of Al–Mg die casting alloy to cracking during solidification

The die casting process and its alloys have been developed in recent years for automobile body parts such as B-pillars. However, it is known that die casting alloys with high ductility and fracture elongation often show a higher susceptibility to cracking during solidification than conventional Al–Si alloys. Thus, it is important to estimate and control the susceptibility to cracking during solidification before trial casting or mass-production. In this study, as a representative non-heat treatment type alloy, Al–4.5wt%Mg (JIS AC7A, AA 514) aluminum alloy was used. The effect of the addition of silicon and grain refiner on the reduction of the susceptibility to cracking was examined. In order to evaluate the susceptibility to cracking, both the “I-beam casting cracking test” and the “TIG spot welding cracking test” were carried out. As a result, the addition of Ti + B worked as a grain refiner on both testing methods. The susceptibility to cracking was significantly reduced by the addition of Ti + B in both the I-beam casting and the weld crater. It was found that the finer grain size led to lower susceptibility to cracking. Furthermore, the susceptibility to cracking of the die casting product decreased with the addition of Ti + B.     

Effect of Al addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg−Gd−Zn alloys

The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg?15.3Gd?1Zn alloys with different Al contents (0, 0.4, 0.7 and 1.0 wt.%) were investigated. Microstructural analysis indicates that the addition of 0.4 wt.% Al facilitates the formation of 18R-LPSO phase (Mg₁₂Gd(Al, Zn)) in the Mg?Gd?Zn alloy. The contents of Al₁₁Gd₃ and Al₂Gd increase with the increase of Al content, while the content of (Mg, Zn)₃Gd decreases. After homogenization treatment, (Mg, Zn)₃Gd, 18R-LPSO and some Al₁₁Gd₃ phases are transformed into the high-temperature stable 14H-LPSO phases. The particulate Al?Gd phases can stimulate the nucleation of dynamic recrystallization by the particle simulated nucleation (PSN) mechanism. The tensile strength of the as-rolled alloys is improved remarkably due to the grain refinement and the fiber-like reinforcement of LPSO phase. The precipitation of the β′ phase in the peak-aged alloys can significantly improve the strength. The peak-aged alloy containing 0.4 wt.% Al achieves excellent mechanical properties and the UTS, YS and elongation are 458 MPa, 375 MPa and 6.2%, respectively.