Search Results

Magnesium is sought to be one of the futuristic material in automotive due to its superior properties such as density, strength to weight ratio, damping characteristics and thus, making it a key enabler for light weighting. The properties of Magnesium alloys can be widely altered by change in elemental composition and heat treatment. Analysis of composition and phase morphology are driving factors for determining component’s end use properties and can be utilized effectively in its product development cycle. The as-cast AZ series alloys develop microstructure consisting of α-Mg matrix, eutectic α-Mg/γ-Mg17Al12 phase with non-uniform Al solute content in the α-Mg. Solutionising causes dissolution of Mg17Al12 brittle phase thereby increasing strength and ductility in these alloys. This paper presents analysis of AZ series automotive alloy components with focus on microstructure and mechanical properties change after solutionising.

Used oil analysis plays an important role in the field of engine development, considering that it can give brief idea about performance of lubricant/ oil being used, its compatibility with the system under considerations. At present, regular testing is done like elemental analysis using Inductive Coupled Plasma (ICP) which can give idea about wear elements and additive elements. But it does not give information on morphological characterization of particles. In present work, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy technique with EDAX detector is used for characterizing the used oil. Oil is filtered on suitable paper and the particles collected on paper are analyzed. This gives the information on morphology and size of particles, their elemental analysis and mapping so that the sources can be judged. Size of wear metal particle is very important factor as even few bigger size particles are more detrimental than large number of smaller particles.