Mechanical characterisation of Al and Al-4%Cu alloy prepared by horizontal centrifugal casting process

Casts of aluminium (Al) and aluminium-copper alloy (Al-4%Cu) were produced using horizontal centrifugal casting method at varied process parameters such as rotational speed, aspect ratio and mould wall thicknesses. The effects of mould wall thickness and rotational speed on the microstructure of Al and Al-4%Cu alloy had been investigated. The hardness of Al casts determined was lower than that of Al-4%Cu alloy and was found to be improved than that of conventional castings. Specific wear rate of centrifugally cast Al-4%Cu alloy was lower than those of pure Al casts. The coefficient of friction and frictional force of specimens was found to be lower for the cast produced under a greater rotational speed of the mould and it was also observed that frictional force gradually increases with load. The presence of copper in aluminium base (4% Cu) has enhanced the ultimate tensile strength of the alloy. Copyright © 2020 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.