In this study, the effect of heat treatment (peak aging, T6) on the porosity and high-cycle fatigue deformation behavior of A356 alloy was investigated. As a result of tensile and high-cycle fatigue tests, A356-T6 exhibited superior tensile strengths ...
In this study, the effect of heat treatment (peak aging, T6) on the porosity and high-cycle fatigue deformation behavior of A356 alloy was investigated. As a result of tensile and high-cycle fatigue tests, A356-T6 exhibited superior tensile strengths (44% increased), fatigue life, and fatigue limit (43% increased) compared to A356-F alloy, due mainly to the evolution of microstructure followed by T6 heat treatment. Globular Si particles, evenly distributed fine Mg2Si particles, and decreased dendrite arm spacing were found to have enhanced tensile and high-cycle fatigue properties effectively. Note, however, that the deteriorating effects of pores were greater on A356-T6 alloy compared to A356-F alloy; those were analyzed using ΔK (stress intensity factor range) parameters.