Title: Characterisation of an aluminium engine block

Authors: Ruben Torres, Jaime Esparza, Eulogio Velasco, Salvador Garcia-Luna, Rafael Colas

Addresses: Escuela de Ingenieria Mecanica y Electrica, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Torreon, Coah., Mexico. ' Facultad de Ingenieria Mecanica y Electrica, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, A.P. 149-F, 66451 San Nicolas de los Garza, NL, Mexico. ' Nemak, S.A. de C.V., Libramiento Arco Vial km 3.8, 66221 Garcia, NL, Mexico. ' Nemak, S.A. de C.V., Libramiento Arco Vial km 3.8, 66221 Garcia, NL, Mexico. ' Facultad de Ingenieria Mecanica y Electrica, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, A.P. 149-F, 66451 San Nicolas de los Garza, NL, Mexico

Abstract: The microstructure of cast engine blocks made from an aluminium alloy was studied. Two sections of the block were selected; corresponding either to the middle or to the front end. The microstructure was evaluated at six different points in each section; two located towards the bottom of the block, within the affected by a grey iron insert, and the other four points were located in a region close to the cast-in grey iron liners. It was found that microstructural features, such as secondary arm spacing and size of silicon platelets, varied within the block.

Keywords: solidification; microstructure; aluminium cast alloys; aluminium engine blocks; grey iron; secondary arm spacing; silicon platelets; chemical composition; vehicle design; automotive engines; automobile industry; characterisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2006.010621

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2006 Vol.1 No.2, pp.129 - 138

Published online: 09 Aug 2006 *

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