Creep Behaviors at 275 °C for Aluminum-Matrix Nano-composite under Different Stress Levels

Aluminum alloys, due to appropriate strength to weight ratio, are widely used in various industries, including automotive engines. This type of structures, due to high-temperature operations, are affected by the creep phenomenon; thus, the limited lifetime is expected for them. Therefore, in designing these types of parts, it is necessary to have sufficient information about the creep behavior and the material strength. One way to improve the properties is to add nanoparticles and fabricate a metal-based nano-composite. In the present research, failure mechanisms and creep properties of piston aluminum alloys were experimentally studied. In experiments, working conditions of combustion engine pistons were simulated. The material was composed of the aluminum matrix, which was reinforced by silicon oxide nanoparticles. The stir-casting method was used to produce the nano-composite by aluminum alloys and 1 wt.% of nanoparticles. The extraordinary model included the relationships between the stress and the temperature on the strain rate and the creep lifetime, as well as various theories such as the regression model. For this purpose, the creep test was performed on the standard sample at different stress levels and a specific temperature of 275 o. By plotting strain-time and strain rate-time curves, it was found that the creep lifetime decreased by increasing stress levels from 75 MPa to 125 MPa. Moreover, by comparing the creep test results of nanoparticle-reinforced alloys and nanoparticle-free alloys, 40% fall was observed in the reinforced material lifetime under 75 MPa. An increase in the strain rate was also seen under the mentioned stress. It is noteworthy that under 125 MPa, the creep lifetime and the strain rate of the reinforced alloy increased and decreased, respectively, compared to the piston alloy. Finally, by analyzing output data by the Minitab software, the sensitivity of the results to input parameters was investigated.