Modelling precipitation hardening in an A356+0.5 wt%Cu cast aluminum alloy

The behavior of a A356+0.5 wt%Cu alloy used to manufacture cylinder heads was studied. Samples were solutionized, quenched and aged at 200 °C for 0.1, 1, 10 100 h. TEM characterization showed that the short aging durations (up h), dominating hardening precipitates β″ rods, while long duration (100 dominance shifted Q-phase (Q′, Q″ precipitates). length diameter rods measured produce size distributions which later calibrate validate precipitation model. physics-based kinetics model relies on classical nucleation/growth/coarsening equations adapted Mg–Si in aluminum matrix. Indirect coupling Thermo-Calc software order determine essential thermodynamic variables such as driving force solubility product Recent developments regarding correction growth rate curvature effect take into account elongated morphology precipitates. A Kampmann-Wagner Numerical (KWN) based track evolution during nucleation, coarsening β yield strength modelled using Pythagorean sum contributions intrinsic strength, solid solution strengthening hardening. Both models good accuracy when compared experimental results.