Development of precipitation-strengthened aluminum alloys and manufacturing processes for next generation automotive powertrains
Lead Researcher: Joshua Stroh
The findings from this research resulted in the optimization of engine block manufacturing processes while developing a new rare earth-modified aluminum alloy which demonstrated over 100% increase in elevated-temperature strength and greatly improved creep resistance at current and next generation engine operating conditions.
Publication:
J. Stroh*, D. Sediako, D. Weiss, “Development of Cerium-Reinforced Specialty Aluminum Alloy with Application of X-ray and Neutron Diffraction”, International Journal of Metalcasting (467), May 2020
J. Stroh*, D. Sediako, D. Weiss, “The Effect of Rare Earth Mischmetal on the High Temperature Tensile Properties of an A356 Aluminum Alloy. In: Perander L. (eds) Light Metals 2021. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series. Springer, Cham.
Effect of cerium addition on improvement of mechanical properties of B319 powertrain aluminum alloy
Lead Researcher: Ermia Aghaie
Improved the high-temperature (250-300 °C) mechanical properties of B319 aluminum alloy through addition of Ce. The microstructure and phase analysis of the alloys were evaluated using SEM/EDS and XRD, respectively. Thermo-Calc-2019 software was used to estimate the formation temperature and volume fraction of the phases present in the alloys. Hardness of the specimens was evaluated using the Vickers micro-hardness tester.
Tensile strength of the alloys was also assessed at room-temperature and 250 °C. X-Ray Micro-CT imaging used to obtain three-dimensional (3D) feature of the various phases presents in the alloys. In addition, to evaluate the long-term thermal stability, the alloys were kept at 250 °C and 300 °C each for 10 days, then the microstructure, microhardness, and high-temperature (250 °C) tensile strength of the specimens were investigated.
Publication:
E. Aghaie, D. Sediako, “Properties of Various Phases in Al Powertrain Alloys: A Review”, Materials Science and Technology 2018 (MS&T18), 966-973, 2018.
E. Aghaie, J. Stroh, D. Sediako, A. Rashidi, AS. Milani, “Improving the Mechanical Properties of the B319 Aluminum Alloy by Addition of Cerium”, Materials Science and Engineering: A, vol. 793, 2020.