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The Influence of Microstructure on the Fracture and Tensile Properties of Die Cast and Thixomolded Magnesium Alloys

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

Paul E. Thoma
Affiliation:
Johnson Controls, Inc., Corporate Technology, P.O. Box 591, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0591USA
Colleen Hays
Affiliation:
Johnson Controls, Inc., Corporate Technology, P.O. Box 591, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0591USA
Aekyung Baik
Affiliation:
Johnson Controls, Inc., Corporate Technology, P.O. Box 591, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0591USA
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Abstract

In this investigation, the fracture and tensile properties of die cast and thixomolded magnesium alloys are compared and shown to be dependent on the microstructure of the test specimens. The principal features of a die cast structure that inhibit crack propagation and contribute to high ductility are the presence of highly structured primary α-magnesium dendrites and a continuous network of the α-magnesium phase. The lower tensile properties of thixomolded magnesium alloys are attributed to the presence of nodular a-magnesium dendrites. Cracks propagate around the nodular dendrites through the divorced eutectic that surrounds the nodular α-magnesium dendrites. In the thixomolded alloys, there is also a less developed continuous network of the α-magnesium phase.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1999

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References

1. Decker, R.F., Carnahan, R.D., Newman, R.O., Bradley, N.L., Frederick, P.S., Schafer, W.J., Mihelich, J.L., Kilbert, R., Thompson, L.G., Spalding, G.T., Dawson, D.C., and Jones, J.C., “Thixomolding™”, 47th Annual World Magnesium Conference in Cannes, France (May 29-30, 1990). International Magnesium Association, pp. 106116.Google Scholar