Influence of microstructural characteristics on mechanical properties of ADC12 aluminum alloy

The effects of microstructural characteristics on the mechanical properties of an aluminum alloy (ADC12: Al-Si-11.3-Cu-1.9-Zn-0.8-Fe-0.8-Mg-0.2-Mn-0.2) produced by various casting technologies are studied experimentally and numerically. Six different casting processes are employed: gravity casting, cold-chamber die-casting, hot-chamber die-casting, squeeze casting, twin-rolled continuous casting and heated-mold continuous casting. Microstructural characteristics, dislocation density and defect density vary depending on the casting method, owing to differences in solidification rate, casting pressure and injection speed. The material characteristics of the samples affect their mechanical properties. Multiple regression analysis is carried out to find equations to predict tensile strength using five independent factors: secondary dendrite arm spacing, microporosity rate, diameter of eutectic structures, aspect ratio of eutectic structures and dislocation density. All these factors influence the tensile properties, although to different degrees. The estimated values of tensile strength are in good agreement with experimental results. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.