Li Wan

Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Wrought Al Alloy 5052 Produced by Rheo-Squeeze Casting

The semisolid slurry of wrought Al alloy 5052 was prepared by the indirect ultrasonic vibration (IUV) method, in which the horn was vibrated under the outside of the metallic cup containing molten alloy, and then shaped by direct squeeze casting (SC). Spherical primary α-Al particles were uniformly dispersed in the matrix and presented a bimodal distribution of grain sizes. The effects of rheo-squeeze casting (RSC) parameters such as squeeze pressure and solid fraction on the microstructure and tensile properties of the semisolid alloy were investigated. The results indicate that average diameters of the primary α-Al particles decreased with the increase of squeeze pressure, while the tensile properties of the alloy increased. With the increase of solid fraction, the tensile strength increased first and then decreased, but the elongation decreased continuously. The best tensile properties were achieved when the slurry with a solid fraction of 0.17 solidified under 100 MPa. Compared to conventional squeeze casting, RSC process can offer the 5052 alloy better tensile strength and elongation, which were improved by 9.7xa0pct and 42.4xa0pct, respectively.

Effect of Heat Treatment on Morphology of Fe-Rich Intermetallics in Hypereutectic Al-Si-Cu-Ni Alloy with 1.26 pct Fe

Cobalt is generally considered as the element that can neutralize the negative effects of iron in Al alloys, such as inducing fracture and failure for stress concentration. Nevertheless, Fe-rich intermetallics would be inclined to form coarse plate-like δ-Al4(Fe, Co, Ni)Si2 particles when the content of Fe was high, which could also cause inferior mechanical properties. The dissolution and transformation of δ-Al4(Fe, Co, Ni)Si2 phase in solution heat-treated samples of Al-20Si-1.85Cu-1.05Ni-1.26Fe-1.35Co alloy were studied using optical microscopy, image analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of solution heat treatment time ranging from 0 to 9xa0hours at 783.15xa0K (510xa0°C) on mechanical properties were also investigated. The coarse plate-like δ-Al4(Fe, Co, Ni)Si2 particles varied slowly through concurrent dissolution along widths and at the plate tips as solution treatment time increased, which could be explained from diffusion-induced grain boundary migration. Solution heat treatment also has an important influence on mechanical properties. The maximum ultimate tensile strength and yield strength after T6 treatment were 258 and 132xa0MPa, respectively, while the maximum hardness was 131xa0HB. Compared with those of the samples in the as-cast state, they increased by 53, 42, and 28 pct, respectively. Moreover, δ-Al4(Fe, Co, Ni)Si2 phase, which appears as a coarse plate-like particle in two dimensions, is actually a cuboid in three dimensions. The length of this cuboid is close to the width, while the height is much smaller.

Numerical Simulation of Mould Filling in Rheo-Diecasting Process of Semi-Solid Magnesium Alloys

The mould-filling behavior of rheo-diecasting of semi-solid magnesium alloy and diecasting of liquid magnesium alloy has been simulated with the computer program of numerical simulation developed by the authors. Results show that, under the same diecasting conditions, the filling behavior of rheo-diecasting of semi-solid metals is similar to the liquid diecasting, but mould filling of semi-solid slurry is steadier, and the slurry flows into the mould in a state similar to lamellar flow. The air entrapment in semi-solid process is much smaller than that of liquid diecasting, and the castings made with semi-solid rheo-diecasting excel those with liquid diecasting in quality. Experimental results are in accord with the results of numeral simulation.

Reinforcement of Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloys with Fe-Bearing Compounds and Si Particles Assisted with Ultrasonic Treatment

The hypereutectic Al-17Si-2Cu-1Ni-0.8Mn alloys with 2% or 3%Fe were fabricated out assisted with ultrasonic vibration (USV) treatment. The coarse plate-like δ-Al4(Fe,Mn)Si2 phase was transformed into fine particles with average diameter of about 17μm~20μm after USV treatment, and the volume fraction of particle-like Fe-bearing compounds is about 3.6%~5%. The polygonal primary Si crystals were also refined into particles with average diameter of about 15μm~23μm, and the volume fraction of primary Si declined to about 5.4%~6.5% after USV treatment. The matrixes of the castings were reinforced with fine Fe-bearing compounds and Si particles. The ultimate tensile strength of the alloys, which were produced by gravity casting process assisted with USV, increases with the increase of Fe content at 350 °C. It is considered the increase of the elevated temperature strength of the samples are mainly attributed to the refinement of δ-Al4(Fe,Mn)Si2 phase by USV and the increase of the volume fraction of the Fe-bearing compounds. The die casting process assisted with USV can further improve the mechanical properties of Al-17Si-2Fe-2Cu-1Ni-0.8Mn alloy.

Mechanical Properties and Fatigue Behavior of Age Treated Die Cast AlMg5Si2Mn Alloy

Mechanical properties and fatigue behavior of die cast AlMg5Si2Mn alloy are studied to broaden its application. Results indicate that the microstructure consist of coarse α1-Al crystals, fine α2-Al and eutectic [Al+Mg2S region. Dilatant shear band and surface layer are observed in the surface and sub-surface of the die castings. Ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of as-cast AlMg5Si2Mn alloy are 333MPa, 191MPa and 10.7% respectively. Age treatment significantly improves the strength and slightly decreases the elongation. Fatigue limit of AlMg5Si2Mn is 56MPa and the fatigue lives of as-cast and age treat specimens are similar to each other. Uniform fatigue striations and tear ridges are observed in the fatigue fracture.

A New Phosphate-Bonded Investment Material for Rapid Ceramic Molding of Medium-Size Castings

Phosphate-bonded investment（PBI）ceramic mold materials have outstanding properties, such as rapid setting rate , moderate green strength and high temperature strength, and could be widely utilized in dental restoration and micro-casting of artistic products. However, fast hydration and gel rate of the phosphate-bonded ceramic slurry has been an obstacle to the wide applications of ceramic mold material for medium and large-size precision castings. This paper presents a new phosphate-bonded ceramic mold material by modifying the composition of refractory aggregates and additive agents, which is promising to be used for rapid ceramic mold casting for medium-size super alloy components. The results indicate that the properties of ceramic mold slurry including initial setting time and fluidity are suitable for complete embedding medium-scale patterns and get accurate duplicate of external configurations when the amount of boric acid is 1.11wt% and sodium tri-poly phosphate (STP) is 0.92wt%. The strength of ceramic mold material can resist impact force when pouring molten metal and easy take casting out from ceramic mold.