Influence of casting defects on fatigue behaviour of A356 aluminium alloy

Abstract

The fatigue behaviour of A356 cast aluminium alloy under 10⁴ cycles was investigated by a servo-hydraulic machine at the temperature of 150°C. The specimens for the fully reversible tension compression tests were cut from cylinder head castings of automobile engines. The testing data were treated by S–N curve and the staircase method and the mean values of fatigue property coincided with each other by these two methods, though the data scattered with different casting defects. The fracture surfaces of fatigue specimens were examined by OM, SEM and EDS. It was found that in most of the specimens two or more fatigue crack initiations appeared at a fracture surface. Compared with casting defects such as oxide film, inclusion and blowhole, shrinkage porosity is more detrimental to the fatigue behaviour of aluminium alloy castings.     

Influence of Microstructural Factors and Composition on the Bending Fatigue Strength of Ductile Cast Iron for Crankshafts

Abstract

In this work, two crankshaft lots were sectioned and their respective cheeks subjected to bending fatigue testing. The experimental results indicated that lot 1 exhibited good bending fatigue resistance. In this lot, cycles in excess of 10⁶ were always needed to initiate a crack at the fillet. Lot 2 always failed before reaching 10⁶ for all the applied bending loads. This behaviour was observed even for crankshaft sections of similar Brinell hardnesses but different lots. Quantitative metallography of the matrix constituents indicated that lot 1 had inferior nodularity, and nodule count, and contained a relatively larger number of non-metallic inclusions. Nevertheless, it also had a comparatively larger fraction of pearlite which, coupled with significant pearlite refinement, gives rise to improved bending fatigue. Thus, the observed bending fatigue resistance can be related to differences in matrix hardness.     

球墨铸铁曲轴应用前景的评估

目前球铁曲轴应用中存在的主要问题是疲劳强度满足不了发动机爆发压力不断提高的要求，以及球铁质量不够稳定。提出了以疲劳强度为核心对曲轴质量进行评估，并通过抗拉强度与伸长率的合理匹配、使用等温淬火、圆角滚压等措施提高球铁曲轴的疲劳强度。为提高球铁曲轴质量可靠性，建议：(1)限定铁液中有害元素的含量；(2)控制原材料质量，并采用感应炉熔炼；(3)对原铁液脱硫，降低其硫量；(4)改进球化、孕育工艺；(5)采用先进检测仪器，提高在线检测水平；(6)重视疲劳性能测试，寻求适合于曲轴的检测方法；(7)开展球铁曲轴强度评价的研究。     

ADI的疲劳性能

发动机曲轴和齿轮的失效形式属于疲劳失效,因此,疲劳性能是应用ADI曲轴、齿轮首先要考虑的性能.根据破坏原因,曲轴的疲劳强度计算应当是计算连杆轴颈圆角处的最大疲劳强度.齿轮的疲劳强度计算则有两种：齿根部弯曲疲劳强度计算和齿面接触疲劳强度计算.球铁的旋转弯曲疲劳强度随抗拉强度提高而增加,但不呈线性关系.奥氏体-贝氏体型球铁的疲劳强度达到或接近部分碳钢、合金钢经调质处理后的疲劳强度.喷丸处理可以提高ADI的各种疲劳强度.为了提高疲劳强度,抗拉强度与伸长率应合理地配合.     

On solidification shrinkage of copper–lead and copper–tin–lead alloys

Abstract

Solidification shrinkage is an important concept in achieving sound castings. In the present work solidification shrinkage was studied in copper–lead and copper–lead–tin alloys. A series of solidification experiments was performed under different cooling rates using a dilatometer which was developed for melting and solidification purposes. The volume change was measured during primary solidification and the monotectic reaction. In order to explain the volume-changing results, the sample macrostructures were studied to evaluate gas and shrinkage cavities which were formed during the solidification. Furthermore, the volume fraction of the primary phase during solidification was evaluated in the samples that were quenched from different temperatures below the liquidus temperature. A shrinkage model was used to explain the volume changes during solidification.     

Estimation of local fatigue behaviour in A356–T6 gravity die cast engine head based on solidification defects content

Al–Si–Mg cast alloys have widespread applications, especially in the aerospace and automotive industries, due to their excellent combination of castability and high specific strength. Among Al–Si alloys, hypoeutectic A356 (Al–7Si–0·3Mg) ranks as one of the most widely used for the production of a variety of components, including engine blocks and engine heads, due to its excellent castability and good mechanical properties. The microstructure of this alloy greatly depends on chemical composition, solidification conditions, metal soundness and heat treatment. Furthermore, its mechanical properties are strongly affected by solidification microstructure and defects, which can vary greatly in complex shaped castings. Among the different microstructural features, only secondary dendrite arm spacing and percentage defect content can currently be predicted with sufficient accuracy by casting simulation software. This makes the prediction of the fatigue life of complex shaped Al–Si castings very difficult, since it is widely accepted that fatigue behaviour mainly depends on the size of solidification defects (gas pores and cavity shrinkages). In this study, the experimental work was carried out on an industrial A356–T6 gravity die cast engine head, with the aim of finding relationships among the main microstructural features and solidification defect parameters. The goal of this analysis was to correlate the defect size, which is the most important variable affecting the fatigue behaviour, to the other microstructural parameters that can be predicted by casting simulation software. Moreover, by applying literature models for fatigue behaviour prediction, based on maximum defect size, the local expected fatigue life/fatigue limit on a section of the casting will be evaluated and compared with those obtained by rotating bending fatigue tests. This study would demonstrate the effectiveness of a new approach of coengineering design, with a strong synergy between the structural finite element method and the casting simulation process, able to estimate the local fatigue strength in complex shaped A356 castings.     

Low-cycle impact fatigue of SiCw/7475Al composite

Important uses in the future for metal-matrix composites are in aerospace, weaponry, and high-speed power plants in which the inertial force produced by great acceleration is a load of high strain rate. Therefore close attention is given to the mechanical behavior of a composite at high strain rates. This paper reports a study of the behavior and mechanisms of a SiC _w /7475 composite in low-cycle impact fatigue (LCIF). The LCIF and impact tension tests were conducted by using the push-pull impact fatigue apparatus developed by the authors, in which the loading assembly was actually a combination of a Hopkinson’s pressure bar and an extension bar. In the apparatus the trapezoidal stress wave loads were produced. The strain rates in specimens may reach 400 s ^-1 .The results show that for a SiC _w /7475 composite, the strain-rate effects on yield stress, ductility, cyclic hardening and softening, δ _e /2-N _f relation, and transition life were slight. In low-cycle impact fatigue the cracks often initiated within or near the SiC particles, which mingled in the composite. The SiC _w /7475 composite was found to be less ductile than its alloy matrix; in low-cycle fatigue brittleness appears. Therefore great attention must be given to the behavior of the composite when it is used as a structural material.     

Untersuchungen zum SwRK-Verhalten des unlegierten Stahles Ck 45 in chloridionenhaltigen wäßrigen Medien

Corrosion fatigue behaviour of steel Ck 45 in aqueous solutions containing chloride ions The fatigue behaviour of carbon steel Ck 45 (comparable to AISI 1045x) is investigated for cyclic tension and rotating bending load with a frequency of 25 Hz. The fatigue limits under cyclic tension load in air are 410 N/mm² for smooth specimens and 290 N/mm² for notched specimens. For rotating bending load a value of 200 N/mm² is found for smooth specimen. The fatigue limits for N = 10⁷ in two different environments (0.3% and 3% NaCl-solution) reach only 37–57% of the according values in air. Cathodic protection of smooth specimens causes an improvement to 95% of the air fatigue limit. The evaluation of the free corrosion potential for all corrosion fatigue tests and the appearence of fracture show typical attributes of corrosion fatigue in the active state.     

Fatigue strength of laser-welded raised edge joints between steel sheets

Abstract

The paper gives the results of fatigue tests carried out on raised edge joint assemblies obtained by laser welding. It examines joints made of FePO4 UNI 8092 steel sheets 0.8 and 1.2 mm thick, assessing the influence of the welding speed on the fatigue characteristics of the joints, for the same laser source.

The analysis of the data obtained for the various series of joints revealed in particular the contribution of the secondary bending caused by the geometry considered, and confirmed the possibility of applying the Uniform Scatter Band (USB) criterion also in this specific case.     

Effect of stress ratio on fatigue lifetime and crack growth behavior of WC–Co cemented carbide

Two types of fatigue tests, a rotating bending fatigue test and a three- or four-point bending fatigue test, were carried out on a fine grained WC–Co cemented carbide to evaluate its fatigue crack growth behavior and fatigue lifetime. From successive observations of the specimen surface during the fatigue process, it was revealed that most of the fatigue lifetime of the tested WC–Co cemented carbide was occupied with crack growth cycles. Using the basic equation of fracture mechanics, the relationship between the fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN) and the maximum stress intensity factor (K_max) was derived. From this relation, both the values of the threshold intensity factor (K_th) and the fatigue fracture toughness (K_fc) of the material were determined. The fatigue lifetime of the WC–Co cemented carbide was estimated by analysis based on the modified linear elastic fracture mechanics approach. Good agreement between the estimated and experimental fatigue lifetimes was confirmed.     

The effect of hot isostatic pressing on crack initiation, fatigue, and mechanical properties of two cast aluminum alloys

This article presents the results of an experimental materials testing program on the effect of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on the crack initiation, fatigue, and mechanical properties of two cast aluminum alloys: AMS 4220 and 4225. These alloys are often used in castings for high temperature applications. Standard tensile and instrumented Charpy impact tests were performed at room and elevated temperatures. The resulting data quantify improvements in ultimate tensile strength, ductility, and Charpy impact toughness from the HIP process while indicating little change in yield strength for both alloys. In addition standard fracture mechanics fatigue tests along with a set of unique fatigue crack initiation tests were performed on the alloys. Hot isostatic pressing was shown to produce a significant increase in cycles to crack initiation for AMS 4225, while no change was evident in traditional da/dN fatigue crack growth. The data permits comparisons of the two alloys both with and without the HIP process.     

Properties of silica sand and GBF slag moulds practiced by Nishiyama process

ABSTRACT

Investigations were carried out to use Granulated Blast furnace (GBF) slag as mould material for either full or partial replacement of existing silica sand in foundry industry. Nishiyama process was adopted for evaluating the same. A series of sand tests were carried out on sand and slag individually and also combinations of these two. Three types of moulds were made with sand, slag individually and combination of these two. Both laboratory and industrial castings of ferrous and non ferrous materials were performed. Results of mould permeability, compression and shear strength of GBF slag reveal that is a suitable candidate for either partial or full replacement of molding sand. During casting of both laboratory and industrial, neither fuse, dripping nor collapse of the mould walls was observed; this is true for both ferrous and non ferrous castings. Castings with good surface finish, no surface defects and porosity were made by slag moulds.     

铁型覆砂铸造及其发展

铁型覆砂铸造是指在金属型（铁型）内腔覆上一薄层树脂砂，然后采用这种覆砂铁型浇注铸件。原来主要用于球铁曲轴，现已扩大应用到50余种（类）铸件。由于覆砂铁型刚度较高，用于球铁件能实现无冒口铸造．提高工艺出品率，并能提高铸件尺寸精度，改善表面质量。笔者介绍铁型覆砂工艺的基本原理、发展情况以及计算机凝固模拟在该工艺上的应用。     

Friction stir welding of thin DH36 steel plate

Abstract

A series of 4, 6 and 8 mm DH36 steel welds were produced using optimum conditions for friction stir welding (FSW). Comparator welds in the same thickness from the same plates were produced using a single sided single pass process submerged arc welds (SAW). This work was carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of FSW material with a view to its possible application in a shipbuilding production process route.

Overall, the performance of the FSW material was superior to the SAW comparators. Areas such as distortion and fatigue were particularly positive in the FSW material. An 8 mm thick plate was also produced using two FSW passes, one from either side, and it was found to have superior toughness and fatigue performance when compared to the single sided 8 mm FSW material. Some of these benefits are thought to have originated from the internal overlap zone between the two passes.     

Effect of anodic oxidation on fatigue performance of 7075-T6 alloy

Effect of anodic oxidation on fatigue performance of 7075-T6 alloy for pre-corroded and non-corroded specimens has been investigated by conducting a series of rotary bending fatigue tests at 95 Hz. The anodized specimens with different coating thickness (6, 12 and 23 μm) were exposed to 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 6, 48, 96 and 240 h. The results indicate that oxidation has a tendency to decrease the fatigue performance. Fatigue strength was reduced with increasing coating thickness; approximately 40% reduction for a 23 μm thick coating was obtained. It was observed that oxidation mitigated pitting corrosion. Superior corrosion resistance was obtained for the thickest coating layer. Fatigue tests with pre-corroded specimens showed that fatigue life of coated specimens was significantly affected by pre-corrosion, except for the specimen with the thickest coating layer. When the pre-corroded bare and coated specimens were compared, the coating improved the fatigue performance in high cycle fatigue (> 10⁵) only and it degraded the fatigue performance in low cycle regime.     

Effect of microstructure on tensile and fatigue properties of cast Mg–10Gd–2Y–0·5Zr alloy

Abstract

The microstructure and its effect on tensile properties and fatigue properties of a Mg–10Gd–2Y–0·5Zr (wt-%) cast alloy have been studied. The microstructures of as-cast, solution treated and T6 treated specimens were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tensile properties and fatigue properties of the specimens were determined and fractography was carried out. The SEM examination showed that the precipitates after T6 treatment were mainly distributed at grain boundaries, which accounts for the intergranular brittle fracture observed. The average grain size of the specimens measured after solution treatment varied from 87 to 128 μm. The mechanical tests showed that the tensile strength and low cycle fatigue strength increase with decreasing average grain size, whereas high fatigue strength is less sensitive to grain size. The fractography indicated that ductile and brittle fracture patterns coexist.     

Fatigue properties of longitudinal attachments welded using low transformation temperature filler

Abstract

In welded structures, fatigue properties are normally considered to be independent of mean stress owing to the presence of tensile residual stresses with a magnitude close to yield level. Introduction of compressive residual stresses by use of low transformation temperature welding consumables has been reported in the literature to have a positive influence on the fatigue strength. In this investigation new low transformation temperature welding consumables have been evaluated with respect to static strength, impact toughness, residual stresses and fatigue properties. Welds were produced in the base material Domex 700 MC, an extra high strength cold forming steel with minimum yield strength of 700 MPa. The improvement of fatigue strength was found to be 25 - 90% at 2 × 10⁶ cycles.     

汽车发动机曲轴扭转疲劳失效形式与原因分析

通过对典型曲轴扭转疲劳试验失效案例的分析,介绍了汽车发动机曲轴常见的扭转疲劳失效形式,分析了导致各种失效形式的原因。结果表明:曲轴的扭转疲劳失效的主要形式是连杆颈斜油孔失效,异常失效形式有曲柄臂失效和连杆颈下止点失效;异常失效原因涉及曲轴毛坯结构设计、原材料缺陷、机加工不良、受力过大等的多个环节;曲轴曲柄臂凹陷和凸起的标识、原材料夹杂、斜油孔内部加工刀痕和受载过大都会导致曲轴异常的扭转失效。最后结合失效原因提出了相应的预防措施。     

Fatigue response,fracture characteristic and life modeling of a near-alpha titanium alloy under typical cyclic loadings in service

Experimental investigations on the fatigue behavior of a near-alpha titanium alloy under typical cyclic loadings were carried out to simulate the service loading states applied on the engine blades.The axial stress-controlled tension–tension low-cycle fatigue(LCF) tests were carried out over a range of maximum stresses and stress ratios.The rotary bending tests were conducted using a step-loading procedure to reveal the high-cycle fatigue(HCF) limit stresses.The cyclic softening effect is observed in this material,and the strain ratcheting occurs obviously at the maximum LCF loading of 900 MPa.The LCF resistance is found to be dependent on both the maximum loading and the stress ratio.The HCF limit stresses for 1 9 107 and 1 9 106 cycles are determined as405.7 and 457.6 MPa,respectively.The macroscopic fatigue fracture mode and the failure features on fracture surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscope(SEM).     

Fatigue properties of Al–Si casting alloy with cold sprayed Al/SiC coating

Abstract

The fatigue properties of Al–Si alloy cold sprayed Al and Al–SiC composite coatings have been studied. The specimens coated with composites reinforced with a large volume (25%) of fine SiC particles exhibited improved adhesion strength at the interface due to crater formation, and cyclic fatigue lives at room temperature more than three times those of uncoated specimens. In high temperature low cycle fatigue tests at 250°C, the pure Al coatings showed longer fatigue lives than the Al–SiC composite coatings, which is attributed to an increment in ductility at the surface retarding fatigue crack initiation.