Characterization of Al-Cu-Si Eutectic Alloys Solidified by The Bridgman Method
Chapter from the book:
Türkoğlu,
M.
M.
(ed.)
2024.
Interdisciplinary Studies on Contemporary Research Practices in Engineering- VII.
Synopsis
Aluminum is widely used in many sectors from the food industry to the electrical and electronics industry, from the automotive and aerospace industries to construction applications due to its ease of forming, resistance to corrosion and environmental influences, and high strength-to-weight ratio. The physical properties of multi-component aluminum alloys vary according to their chemical composition, specifically the alloying elements and their ratios. The primary alloying elements used in aluminum-based casting alloys are silicon, copper, and magnesium, with iron and zinc being used as residual elements. Al-Si-Cu is extensively employed in powertrains and transmissions. In this study, the physical properties of an Al-26.5Cu-6Si (wt. %) ternary eutectic alloy were examined in relation to the directional solidification method. The alloy was prepared in a vacuum melting furnace and directionally solidified at different solidification rates using a Bridgman-type furnace. The Vickers microhardness, maximum tensile strength, and electrical resistivity of the produced samples were measured, and it was determined that the solidification rate significantly influenced these values. The results of this study were compared with the experimental results obtained for binary Al-Cu and quaternary Al-Cu-Si-Fe eutectic alloys.