Cooling rate inference in aluminum alloy squeeze casting

An indirect method for the evaluation of cooling rate of a squeeze cast aluminum alloy is proposed. Cooling rate is inferred by simple local mechanical tests such as microhardness or indentation. A predictive model is used to correlate cooling rate and mechanical properties. An aluminum alloy (EN-AB46000) was squeeze cast. Four cylindrical samples were fabricated at different values of the squeezing pressure (from 0 to 100 MPa). Samples were cut longitudinally at the middle height and microhardness was measured along the sample radius as well as dendrite size. Moreover yielding stress was evaluated by means of FIMEC test in the centre of the sample section. Mechanical properties can be related to dendrite size and used for cooling rate inference.