Influence of the Local Mechanical Behavior on Component Deformation in a Mg Alloy Thin-Walled Frame Casting 2012-01-0770

A demonstration structure was cast in AM60. The structure, known as the Generic Frame Casting or GFC, was designed specifically to mimic features seen in castings for closure applications. Excised samples were subsequently removed from different areas of the casting and tested under axial loading conditions. Component level tests were also conducted. Comparison of the excised sample results and the component level testing indicated the influence of local properties on the component level deformation. It was shown that varying the casting processing conditions could change the local ductility and yield strength in different areas of casting with the same geometry. Lowering the local ductility decreased the total displacement in a component level test and lowered the amount of energy absorption. Therefore, understanding the processing conditions and their influence on the local properties is important for predicting behavior in a component level test.