Effects of grain refinement on the microstructure, mechanical properties and reliability of AlSi7Cu3Mg gravity die cast cylinder heads

The effects of grain refinement on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a secondary AlSi7-Cu3Mg gravity die cast cylinder head are reported. Metallographic and image analysis techniques have been used to quantitatively examine the macro- and microstructural changes occurring with the addition of grain-refining agent. The results indicate that the AlTi5B1 addition produces a fine and uniform grain structure throughout the casting; this effect is more pronounced in the slowly solidified regions. The initial contents of Ti and B, which are present as impurity elements in the supplied secondary alloy ingots, are not sufficient to produce effective grain refinement. Under the present casting conditions, the combined addition of AlTi5B1 and Sr does not produce any reciprocal interaction or effect on primary alpha-Al and eutectic solidification. Grain refinement improves the mechanical properties of the as-cast AlSi7Cu3Mg alloy and produces higher Weibull moduli, thus increasing the reliability of the casting. For automotive structural components, this could be considered an increase in safety.