Abstract

Friction stir processing (FSP) was applied to cast A356 Al to modify the as-cast microstructure. FSP homogenizes and refines the cast microstructure, completely eliminates porosity, and creates a microstructure with fine Si particles (0.25-0.42 μm) distributed in a fine grain aluminum matrix (3-4 μm). Further, FSP parameters significantly influence microstructural development in the processed zone of cast A356 Al. Generally, higher tool rotation rate creates a more homogeneous microstructure. at lower tool rotation rates, a macroscopically visible banded structure characterized by a low density of coarse particles, was detected in the nugget zone. However, FSP parameters did not significantly influence the Al matrix grain size. the varied distribution pattern, size, and volume fraction of Si particles at different locations within the FSP zone indicates inhomogeneous material flow. a post-FSP T6 heat treatment did not alter the Si particle distribution but did significantly coarsen the Si particles. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Comments

National Science Foundation, Grant DMR-0076433

Keywords and Phrases

A356; Casting; Friction stir processing; Microstructural modification

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0921-5093

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2024 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

15 Oct 2006

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Metallurgy Commons

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