Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of A356-T6 Aluminum Alloy Wheel Hub Based on Casting-Spinning Process

Abstract

The mechanical properties and microstructure of the A356-T6 wheel hub based on low pressure die casting-hot flow forming process were analyzed by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile tests. Results showed that the size of the eutectic region and the morphology of the Si phase were the main factors affecting the mechanical properties and fracture morphology of the wheel hub. There was a uniform distribution of eutectic area and fine Si phase morphology in the microstructure of the upper rim and lower rim, moreover, the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the upper rim reached 282.4MPa and 185.1MPa, respectively. The fractures were mainly composed of fine quasi-cleavage platform and dimple. The microstructure of the rim showed a long strip along the deformation direction and the eutectic structure and Si particles were uniformly distributed. Irregular polygonal eutectic regions and coarse rod-like Si particles were accumulating in the spoke, causing a serious decrease in mechanical properties, especially in the spoke center and spoke R angle.