Development of in-situ measuring methods for mechanical properties on semi-solid aluminum alloy

It is necessary to obtain the mechanical properties of semi-solid alloy in order to predict the occurrence of solidification cracking, one of the serious casting defects of aluminum alloy die-casting and DC casting, by computer simulation. New in-situ measuring method for mechanical properties on semi-solid aluminum alloy by horizontal tensile test, based on that of Oya and Kitaoka et al., was developed. The strain was determined by measuring the displacement between dendrites defined as the makers. Influence of gage length on the fracture strain was clarified. Fracture strain and tensile strength of semi-solid Al-7mass%Si alloy were obtained.