Uniaxial Stress and Strain Analysis of a Notched Component Made of Cast Irons

Abstract

<div>This article investigates the deformation mechanics of cast iron and its implications for notch analysis, particularly in the automotive industry. Cast iron’s extensive use stems from its cost-effectiveness, durability, and adaptability to various mechanical demands. Gray, nodular, and compacted graphite cast irons are the primary types, each offering unique advantages in different applications. The presence of graphite, microcracks, and internal porosity significantly influences cast iron’s stress–strain behavior. Gray and compacted cast iron display an asymmetrical curve, emphasizing low tensile strength and superior compression performance due to graphite flakes and crack closures. Nodular cast iron exhibits a symmetrical curve, indicating balanced mechanical properties under tension and compression. The proposed simplified macrostructural approach, based on monotonic stress–strain, aims to efficiently capture graphite and crack closure effects, enhancing compressive strength and stiffness. By employing the Neuber and Molski–Glinka methods for notch analysis, we assume nominally elastic behavior of notched components. This represents a novel application for gray and compacted cast iron, aiding in predicting material fatigue life, as demonstrated in other materials with asymmetrical behavior.</div>