Impact mechanical behaviour of Al–7Si–Mg (A357) cast aluminum alloy. The effect of artificial aging

The effect of artificial aging on the impact mechanical behaviour of A357 (Al–7Si–0.7Mg) cast aluminum alloy was assessed. Instrumented Charpy impact test was used to record the variations of impact load and energy properties as a function of artificial aging conditions. Studies included under-, peak- and over-aging conditions. Calculated impact dynamic yield strength results were compared with corresponding quasi-static properties finding negligible differences in the peak-aging condition. Correlations were proposed between tensile and impact properties of the cast alloy. Fractographic analyses were used to assess the progressive ductile-to-brittle fracture change with increasing aging.

► Influence of artificial aging on impact mechanical properties.
► Dynamic Charpy impact properties were correlated with corresponding quasi-static properties.
► Fractographic investigations revealed the step-wise change from ductile to brittle fracture mechanism with increasing aging time.