Effect of reinforcement and aging time on wear behavior and mechanical properties of aluminium LM4

Abstract

Aluminium LM4, is widely used in aerospace and automotive industries owing to its light weight and high strength/weight ratio. Further increase in strength might widen the scope of usage of the alloy. Hence, to achieve this, the research investigates on the effects of artificial aging on the wear behavior and mechanical properties of Aluminium LM4 alloys. The LM4 ingots stir cast, homogenized, solution heat treated and aged. The specimen were machined according to the ASTM standards for Tensile, Brinell hardness and Pin-on-Disc wear test. The wear test was conducted for different combinations of applied loads and sliding velocities. It was evident that, the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and Brinell hardness increased as the aging time increased, before over aging occurred. Wear rates decreased with an increase in hardness. The results revealed that, the wear rates decreased as the aging time and applied load increased. Adverse and undesirable changes in properties were also observed due to over aging.