Quantitative Analysis of Grain Refinement via Residual Stress Measurements in Cast Aluminum Alloys by Neutron Diffraction

There is an enhanced interest in aluminum casting alloys for automotive and aerospace applications. The interest in these alloys is spurred by the need to produce lighter and more fuel efficient vehicles. The aluminum-copper (Al-Cu) casting alloys are among the most common aluminum casting alloys. B206 is a relatively new Al-Cu alloy with excellent mechanical properties, high temperature strength and good low-cycle fatigue properties. However, despite the advantages, this alloy is very difficult to cast. Its long freezing range makes interdendritic feeding during solidification difficult, thereby resulting in numerous casting defects, including porosity and hot tears [1].