Microstructure and tensile properties of grey cast iron

• Gray cast iron is a widely used construction material with a unique combination of properties such as very good thermal conductivity, vibration damping ability, and good machinability. The production method of casting is convenient to achieve a near final shape of complex geometries. A significant use of this beneficial construction materials can be found in diesel engine components, including cylinder heads, cylinder blocks and piston rings. Environmental and economic factors necessitate the development and optimization of engine components. The present paper summarizes a study of major process and material parameters to maximize and optimize the mechanical properties under static load of grey cast iron.The tensile strength of grey cast iron has been discussed by revealing the fracture mechanism of the material at failure. The ultimate tensile strength is clearly the result of the intimate collaboration between the graphite flake and the primary phases. Several parameters, including the graphi te morphology, carbon content, inoculation, and cooling conditions during solidification influence the ultimate tensile strength by affecting the equilibrium between the major constituents and cracks in the metallic matrix. A model to predict the ultimate tensile strength is developed based on the interpretation of the stress intensity behaviour in a eutectic cell.

Keyword

Grey iron

Eutectic cell

Graphite morphology

Carbon content

Inoculation

Cooling rate

Mechanical properties

Tensile strength

Maximum stress intensity factor

Primary austenite

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

rap (subject category)