Experimental characterization of a Si–Mo–Cr ductile cast iron

• We experimentally characterize (static, HCF and LCF) a commercial automotive cast iron.
• We define LCF and HCF properties at several working temperatures.
• We proposed a simple experimental and data processing procedure to characterize the SiMoCr alloy.

High temperature-resistant ductile cast irons behavior is highly interesting for the manufacture of components, such as exhaust manifolds for automotive applications. In the present paper the temperature-dependent static, high cycle and low cycle fatigue behavior of a heat-resistant Si–Mo–Cr ductile cast iron (Fe–2.4C–4.6Si–0.7Mo–1.2Cr) is investigated. Tensile and high cycle fatigue properties, in terms of elastic modulus, yield stress, elongation at break, fatigue limits, and the stress-life Basquin’s curve parameters have been determined at room temperature, 160 °C, 500 °C and 800 °C, thus covering the usual temperature range to which actual components, obtained with this kind of material, are subjected. The alloy showed good monotonic properties at low temperature, but showed to be fragile during fatigue tests, due to the high Silicon content in the alloy. At 500 °C mechanical properties are still good, with a 40% decrease with respect to 160 °C, and ductility is increased. The last temperature level of 800 °C has caused a noticeable drop of the cast iron strength, due to softening and oxidation effects.