An Integrated Model for Prediction of Yield Stress in Al-7Si-Mg Cast Alloys

The desired mechanical properties of Al-7Si-Mg cast alloys can be achieved by a corresponding processing process, and are extensively used in automotive and aerospace industries. The prediction of the microstructure controlling mechanical properties is meaningful in order to further modify the properties of castings. In present research, a microstructure-strength relation based model was developed to predict the yield stress of Al-7Si-Mg cast alloys. The as-cast microstructure was simulated by cellular automaton model and its effect on yield stress was considered. Based on the general framework proposed by Kampmann and Wagner, a multi-component precipitation model involving nucleation, growth and coarsening of precipitates, as well as a strengthening model were developed. Applications of these models to an engine block casting were carried out to predict the as-cast microstructure as well as the final yield stress, and the predictions were verified with experimental results.