NUCLEATION OF MICROCRACKS AND THEIR PROPAGATION IN GRAVITY-CAST Al-Si AND Al-Li ALLOYS

This article discusses the nucleation and propagation of microcracks in gravity-cast aluminum--silicon and aluminum-lit alloys. Microstructural observations were made on both an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. In addition, hardness measurements were made using the Vickers indenter and strength tests – a static compression test. Experiments have allowed us to determine the very important differences in both the nucleation and propagation of microcracks emerging after crossing the yield point between gravity-cast aluminum-silicon aluminum alloys.