Microstructure Modification

Effect of intermetallic particles and grain boundaries on short fatigue crack growth behaviour in a cast Al–4Cu–3Ni–0.7Si piston alloy

“…8,9 There has been a steady increase in engine performance accompanied with requirements for increased system efficiency, minimum weight and more stringent emission legislation. 10 This has necessitated intensive research and development of new piston designs and materials that can withstand the increasingly harsh combination of thermo-mechanical fatigue and highcycle fatigue loads. 2, [10][11][12][13][14] Recent investigations are looking at increasing the performance of piston alloys by further increasing the Cu and Ni contents and increasing the Si level above the eutectic although there are concerns about reductions in castability.…”

“…There has been a steady increase in engine performance accompanied with requirements for increased system efficiency, minimum weight and more stringent emission legislation . This has necessitated intensive research and development of new piston designs and materials that can withstand the increasingly harsh combination of thermo‐mechanical fatigue and high‐cycle fatigue loads .…”

“…10 This has necessitated intensive research and development of new piston designs and materials that can withstand the increasingly harsh combination of thermo-mechanical fatigue and highcycle fatigue loads. 2, [10][11][12][13][14] Recent investigations are looking at increasing the performance of piston alloys by further increasing the Cu and Ni contents and increasing the Si level above the eutectic although there are concerns about reductions in castability. 5 The aim of these developments has been to achieve maximum performance at high temperatures of 350 °C and above.…”