Prediction of HPDC casting properties made of AlSi9Cu3 alloy

Abstract

The paper describes the influence of type of structure and its parameters on mechanical properties of high-pressure die-casting (HPDC) products out of AlSi9Cu3 alloy. The dendritic structure was described using the DAS parameter—a distance between branches of dendrites of a solid α solution (silicon in aluminium), which is a measure of microstructure refinement. According to the Hall–Petch law, the smaller grain causes the better strength. The finest grained structure can be obtained by increasing the rate of heat extraction from a casting to a mould. The best results, considering the classical methods, can be achieved using the high-pressure die-casting method. Therefore, results of studies of mechanical properties of sample castings, made using the above-mentioned casting method, are presented. The sample castings (cast-on samples) were subjected to tensile tests to determine mechanical properties (tensile strength, yield strength and elongation), as well as microstructure studies, considering the DAS. Experimental-simulation validation was performed using the Procast code with the application of a micromodel in the scope of compatibility of the DAS value and yield strength.