Abstract
Abstract In this paper the production and characterization of compacted graphite iron alloys in ten chemical compositions is presented. The specimens were obtained through a foundry process performed by a gating system model developed in order to allow the incorporation of silicon, copper and tin. Hardness and tensile tests were performed, as well as microstructural evaluation. Additionally, the results related to the experimental investigation were compared to those obtained from a finite element method analysis. The results showed a correlation between the addition of silicon and the increase of ferrite and graphite count per mm2. Regarding copper and tin additions, the percentage increase of pearlite was associated with the reduction of graphite average size. Changes in chemical composition led to different values of ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and hardness, whose magnitude was mainly related to the amount of ferrite. Computer simulation was considered efficient in predicting these results.
Highlights
The microstructure of compacted graphite iron alloy (CGI) is composed by graphite particles scattered in a metal matrix, usually consisting of pearlite or pearlite and ferrite[1,2]
The chemical composition of the CGI alloy is crucial in determining the proportions of pearlite and ferrite in the matrix and in the graphite distribution, size and morphology, affecting the mechanical properties of the material
Computer simulations were carried out and the results were compared with those obtained through the experiments, in order to verify the reliability of the simulation in predicting other conditions of chemical composition
Summary
The microstructure of compacted graphite iron alloy (CGI) is composed by graphite particles scattered in a metal matrix, usually consisting of pearlite or pearlite and ferrite[1,2]. This intermediate morphology of the graphite, combined with the metal matrix, provides a combination of mechanical and physical properties which are intermediate between gray and ductile cast irons Due to this morphology, CGI alloys have good mechanical strength, toughness, enhanced thermal conductivity and the additional capacity of vibration damping, which testifies in favor of their use as an alternative to gray cast iron alloys in engine applications that require higher limits of pressure, allowing the reduction of engine’s weight and size without undermining their efficiency[6,7,8]. Specific chemical elements might be introduced into In this context, the present investigation involves the analysis of the influence of different amounts of silicon, copper and tin in graphite’s characteristics, in the matrix and in the mechanical properties of CGI. Computer simulations were carried out and the results were compared with those obtained through the experiments, in order to verify the reliability of the simulation in predicting other conditions of chemical composition
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