Mechanical and Fatigue Performance Tests of Cast Aluminum Alloy ZL111 Adopted in Structure

Abstract

Characteristics of aluminum alloys such as light weight, high strength-to-weight ratio and favorable corrosion resistance have brought about a bright application prospect in building structures. Wrought alloys are applicable to common beams and columns, while casting alloys can be fabricated as connectors in point-supported glass curtain wall and joints in spatial latticed structures on account of easy implement of moulding. Because of high strength, outstanding castability and remarkable mechanical properties after heat treatment, ZL111 in aluminum-silicon alloys is regarded as a desirable option. However, aluminum alloys are non-linear materials and their properties vary with casting and heat treatment modes. It is the well-marked distinction between aluminum alloy and ordinary carbon steel that special study on mechanical and fatigue performance is required. ZL111 raw materials were selected, with alloying agent and fabrication processes meeting the requirement of GB/T 1173-1995 standard. After T6 heat treatment process, test coupons were obtained by machining from raw materials. By utilization of electronic universal testing machine and cryogenic box, tensile tests at room temperature and low temperatures were performed. High-circle fatigue tests were carried out to obtain the fatigue performance of the material. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was introduced to observe morphology of tensile and fatigue fractures. The tests revealed the relationship between mechanical property index and temperature, which indicated that the ZL111-T6 would increase in strength and plasticity. The microstructure of fractures validated and explained the macroscopic results. Furthermore, material strength at room temperature or low temperatures, stiffness and fatigue performance could satisfy bearing and normal serviceability requirement. Because of non existence of ductile-brittle transition temperature, superior corrosion resistance and outstanding castability, ZL111-T6 material is prone to fabricate complicated elements and joints withstanding cryogenic environment instead of carbon steel.