Material characterization of A356-T6 aluminum alloy and correlation of wheel impact test results using finite element analysis

Abstract

This paper focuses on the material characterization of the A356-T6 aluminum alloy wheel, which is mandatory when an experimental correlation is required with respect to the finite element analysis performed. There is always a chance that the finite element analysis results differ from experimental results if the material properties used for analysis are not developed from the component due to variation in the manufacturing processes and chemical compositions. Hence, the procedure for developing material data is presented, and the respective applicable standards are mentioned. The method of generating a stress–strain curve from the specimens extracted from the alloy wheel is presented. Finite element analysis is performed for impact loads using the developed material stress–strain curve and reference material of the same composition and heat treatment process. The finite element results for both the materials are compared to study the variations.