Variability of Fatigue Crack Growth Life of Aluminum Casting Alloy A357-T6

摘要

This investigation considers the variability of fatigue crack growth (FCG) life of A357-T6. the life variability for this cast aluminum alloy is greater than the variability of 2024-T3, a wrought aluminum alloy. Dendrite arm spacing (DAS), dendrite cell size (DCS), porosity and silicon particle aspect ratios are measured to characterize the test specimens. Metallographic and fractographic analyses are performed to aid potential correlations between microstructure and discontinuities and fatigue behavior. Several recommendations are made for future efforts.