Crack propagation behavior of A356 aluminum alloy under resonant vibration

During the application of a structural component, failure by resonant vibration may occur under some abnormal situations. The study of this failure is necessary in order to ensure the reliability of the component. In the current investigation, A356 aluminum alloy (Al-7wt% Si-0.3wt% Mg) was chosen to explore the crack propagation behavior under resonant vibration. This alloy, which contains eutectic silicon particles, has been used as many of the structural components in automobiles and aircrafts. Since the shape and distribution of second phase particles can affect the fatigue crack propagation of a two-phase material, they should also affect the crack propagation under resonant vibration. To study the effect of eutectic silicon morphology and distribution, the A356 alloy was tested under the as-cast condition and two solution-treated conditions.