The Effects of Iron-Bearing Intermetallics on the Fitness-for-Service Performance of a Rare-Earth-Modified A356 Alloy for Next Generation Automotive Powertrains

Metals

David Weiss¹  Joshua Stroh²  Dimitry Sediako² 

[1] Eck Industries, 1602 N 8th St., Manitowoc, WI 54220, USA;High Performance Powertrain Materials Laboratory, School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia–Okanagan, 1137 Alumni Ave, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada;

关键词: aluminum powertrain alloys;    casting;    rare earth mischmetal;    creep properties;    tensile properties;    Mn addition;   

DOI  :  10.3390/met11050788

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Aimed at improving the tensile strength and creep resistance of a rare earth-modified A356 alloy, this study adjusted the Mg and Mn concentration in the alloy, specifically aiming to transform the harmful Al₅FeSi and Al₉FeSi₃Mg₅ phase into Al₁₅(Fe,Mn)₃Si₂. It was found that lowering the Mg concentration from 0.49 to 0.25 wt.% and raising the Mn concentration from 0.10 to 0.41 wt.% resulted in a near complete transformation of the Fe-bearing phases. This transformation led to a greater total volume fraction of Fe-intermetallics (2.9 to 4.1%), without affecting the volume fraction of the desirable, temperature-resistant, AlSiRE phase. Moreover, the chemistry modification led to a shift in the morphology of the AlSiRE phase while reducing its size. Combined with the decreased volume fraction of the harmful Fe precipitates, the chemistry modification improved the yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and modulus of elasticity by ~14%, 9%, and 10%, respectively. In addition, the steady-state creep rates of the high Mn alloy were lower at all stresses as compared to the low Mn alloy and the fracture stress was ~15 MPa higher, reaching 100% of the alloy’s original 250 °C YS.

【 授权许可】

Unknown