Environmental Effect on Fatigue Properties of Die-Cast Magnesium Alloys

Abstract

In order to study the environmental effect on fatigue properties of die-cast magnesium alloys, several fatigue tests were performed for AM50HP and AZ91HP in ambient air, vacuum, engine oil, deionized water and 3.5% NaCl solution. It is found that the S-N curves are steeper in corrosive environment and AM50HP shows a higher sensitivity to the action of 3.5% NaCl solution than AZ91HP. Both alloys do not have endurance limits in 3.5% NaCl solution, whereas endurance limits could be detected in ambient air, which are about 90MPa and 100MPa for AZ91HP and AM50HP respectively. It is also found that FCP rate is substantially increased in corrosion media: the presence of oxygen causes the production of oxide film on the fresh surfaces made during the cyclic loading and the oxide film would restrict the deformation of the matrix beneath the hard film and promote hydrogen embrittlement in the wet condition.