Investigation on the age-hardening behavior of Al–Si–Cu–Mg cast alloys by mechanical testing, microstructural characterization, and a CNGT based precipitation model

Abstract In the present contribution, the age-hardening behavior of two commercial Al–Si–Cu–Mg alloys was studied during heat treatments at 200 °C and 240 °C. Size and volume fraction of precipitates were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and small angle neutron scattering. Additionally, tensile tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical behavior. Finally, a multi-component multi-phase classical nucleation and growth theory precipitation model was developed to predict the evolution of Mg- and Cu-containing precipitates and their hardening effect. The simulations were in good agreement with experimental findings.