Experimental Analysis of the Mechanical Characteristics of Aluminum Alloys (AlSi8Cu3)

Abstract

Aluminum alloys are widely recognized as highly advantageous materials for various engineering applications, including pistons, valve components, brakes, engine blocks, and impellers. In this study, our objective was to investigate the mechanical characteristics and surface behavior of the Aluminum alloy (AlSi8Cu3). To achieve this, torsion tests were conducted to analyze the material's response to shear and high deformation, while mitigating instability phenomena. Specifically, torsion tests were performed on annealed aluminum alloy specimens until rupture, at 1/3 of the rupture, and at 2/3 of the rupture to evaluate crucial material properties, such as the modulus of Young and shear modulus. Through these tests, we also examined the hardness of the specimens and analyzed the microstructural state at both the center and periphery of the deformed sections. Additionally, we determined the hardness, microstructure, and values of the strength coefficient (K) and the strain hardening exponent (n) within the plastic domain of the alloy. Our experimental results demonstrated that increasing deformation on the specimens led to a reduction in grain size. Furthermore, this deformation resulted in a decrease in Young's modulus, attributed to the initiation of cavity coalescence. Based on our investigation, we conclude that the obtained results are excellent and hold significant implications for further research in this field.