Mechanical Properties of Low-Pressure Die Cast A356-T6 alloys for Automotive Wheels

Abstract

Abstract The mechanical properties of low-pressure die cast (LPDC) A356-T6 automotive road wheels are evaluated and correlated withtheir corresponding microstructures. In this study, two types of alloy wheels processed using different LPDC gating system areinvestigated. The yield stress, tensile stress, and elongation values tested at room temperature are correlated with the secondary den-drite arm spacing (SDAS) with respect to the gating system, and are also compared with similar studies. The SDAS and precipitatesare examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The phase infor-mation is also investigated using X-ray diffraction. Charpy impact tests are also performed from −100 o C to 200 o C, and the fracturesurfaces are examined using SEM. The impact energy is demonstrated to increase with increasing temperatures without exhibitingspecific transition behaviors as in other nonferrous alloys. The fracture toughness is also evaluated using three point bend test withsingle-edged bend specimens. The obtained fracture toughness values are in good agreement with those in similar studies.Key words: Mechanical property, SDAS, Impact test, Fracture toughness, A356-T6 alloy