Abstract
Present paper discusses the influence of T6 heat-treatment on mechanical and reciprocating wear properties of centrifugally cast functionally graded (FG) aluminium A356 (Al-7.5Si-0.3Mg) alloy. Microstructural studies confirmed varying grain structure from outer to inner layer, with outer layer having the best grain refined structure in as-cast (AC) condition. High concentration of spheroidised eutectic silicon particles was observed in outer layers of heat-treated (HT) alloy. Enhanced hardness (14.16%) and tensile strength (49.25%) was observed for outer layer of HT FG alloy, when compared to AC alloy. Fracture analysis confirmed a mixed mode of failure for HT FG alloy. Taguchi’s Design of Experiments was used to study the reciprocating wear and frictional characteristics of outer layers of AC and HT alloy by varying applied load, sliding distance and frequency. Analysis of Variance and Signal-to-Noise ratio results of AC and HT alloy confirmed applied load and frequency to be the influencing parameter for wear rate and co-efficient of friction respectively. Worn surface analysis revealed a transition in wear mechanism for applied load, whereas extreme delamination wear and wear debris formation was observed at high sliding distances. As the HT alloy has very good age-hardening properties, they can be employed for automotive applications to meet the specific requirements.
Published Version
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