Output details
15 - General Engineering
University of Southampton
Analysis of fatigue crack initiation and S-N response of model cast aluminium piston alloys
Significance of output:
Using lightweight Al-Si alloys in pistons in light vehicle diesel engines at higher temperatures will increase engine efficiency and reduce harmful emissions but the alloying required to achieve this directly affects fatigue performance. This work (funded by EPSRC and Federal Mogul Technology: £83k) shows how the resultant complex defect populations affect fatigue failure in service. Electron microscopy and X-ray tomography have assessed the viability of manufacturing approaches for materials supplied by industry E-mail: simon.barnes-2@manchester.ac.uk (formerly AE Goetze). Also led directly to a Royal Society collaborative exchange with University of Nairobi (due to relevance to recycled Al alloys)