Synergistic Effects of Eutectic Si, Precipitates, and Pores on Mechanical Properties of Al-Si-Cu-Mg Cast Alloys Based on Sc
摘要
In this study, the effects of Sc on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the Al-Si-Cu-Mg cast alloys were studied by different dimensions and scales characterization and in-situ DIC tensile test. In addition, the effect of Sc on pores was explored from the perspectives of viscosity and hydrogen gas, and the roles of eutectic Si, precipitation, and pores in the fracture process were analyzed. The results show that the addition of Sc leads to the refinement of eutectic Si and the reduction of secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS). The aspect ratio of eutectic Si has decreased from 2.42 ± 1.81 to 2.29 ± 1.50, and the Feret diameter has decreased from 10.68 ± 0.23 μm to 8.75 ± 0.41 μm. Although the addition of Sc leads to the increase in viscosity of the Al-Si-Cu-Mg cast alloys, the reduction of hydrogen content in the melt leads to the reduction of pore size and number. The maximum length of pores has decreased from 1199.84 to 209.62 μm, and the pore volume fraction has decreased from 1.03 to 0.02%. The large-size pores can act as crack sources, and the addition of Sc reduces the number of pores, which slows down the crack propagation. In addition, the micro-sized Al3(ZrTiVSc) phase with sharp morphology can cause stress concentration as a fracture source, but the nano-sized Al3(ZrTiVSc) phase can improve the strength of the Al-Si-Cu-Mg cast alloys.