March 25, 2022
Conference Paper
Microstructural modification of a high-pressure die-cast A380 alloy through friction stir processing and its effect on mechanical properties
Abstract
Aluminum alloy A380 is one of the major high-pressure die-cast (HPDC) alloys fabricated in the die casting sector. However, microstructural features such as shrinkage and gas porosity, entrapped oxide inclusions, change in the morphology of eutectic Si particles as a function of casting location, and the presence of multiple second phase particulates, especially Fe-bearing phases in HPDC A380 alloy results in limited ductility, thus, affecting its structural application. However, through proper modification of the as-cast microstructure, it is possible to improve the mechanical performance of alloy A380. In this study, we report the effect of friction stir processing (FSP), a well-known severe plastic deformation (SPD) and thermomechanical processing tool for selective microstructural modification, on A380. FSP effectively refines the as-cast microstructure and breaks down the coarse Si particles, creating a homogenized distribution of equiaxed Si particles in the aluminum matrix. Additionally, FSP eliminates porosity that acts as crack initiation sites, leading to improved mechanical strength and ductility.Published: March 25, 2022