Explicit microstructure, corrosion, and stress analysis of value-added Al-3.7%Cu-1.4%Mg/1.5% rice husk ash nanoparticles for pump impeller application

Abstract

Mild steel is used in the production of pump impeller, however high density, corrosion, and less fatigue strength have reduced the current usage of mild steel in the production of pump impeller. To produced impeller with good corrosion resistance and performance that led to the development of Al-3.7%Cu-1.4%Mg/1.5%wtRice husk ash nanoparticles composite. Modified stir casting and double feeding methods were used in the production of the composite. Microstructure, strength, corrosion, and stress analysis were used as criteria. The tensile strength and factor of safety obtained are within the recommended standard for the impeller application. It was observed that the maximum von misses' stress obtained in this work is far lower than the yield stress in the materials. A reduction of corrosion rate by 23.57% can be obtained when the composite is used in the production of the impeller as compared with the steel impeller. It can be established that using the developed materials in the production of the impeller will be safe based on the judgment of the strength and corrosion protection.