Effect of Artificial Aging Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Regulation of Precipitated Phase Particles of High-Pressure Die-Cast Thin-Wall AlSi10MnMg Longitudinal Carrier

Abstract

This study investigates the artificial aging treatment process for AlSi10MnMg longitudinal carriers with optimal strength and ductility. Experimental results illustrate that the peak strength is observed under single-stage aging at 180 °C × 3 h, with a tensile strength of 332.5 MPa, Brinell hardness of 133.0 HB, and elongation of 5.56%. As aging time increases, tensile strength and hardness initially increase and then decrease, while elongation displays an inverse pattern. The amount of secondary phase particles at grain boundaries increases with aging temperature and holding time, but stabilizes as aging progresses; the secondary phase particles begin to grow, eventually weakening the alloy’s strengthening effect. The fracture surface exhibits mixed fracture characteristics, including ductile dimples and brittle cleavage steps. Range analysis indicates that the influence of distinct parameters on mechanical properties post-double-stage aging is as follows: first-stage aging time, first-stage aging temperature, followed again by second-stage aging time, and second-stage aging temperature. For peak strength, the optimal double-stage aging process includes a first-stage aging temperature of 100 °C × 3 h and a second-stage aging temperature of 180 °C × 3 h.