Abstract
Cast aluminum alloys have widespread applications for structural components in the automotive, aerospace and general engineering industries because of their excellent castability, corrosion resistance. This article aims to study high temperature tensile performance of an Al-Si-Cu-Mg cast alloy in the presence of Zr and Ni. The cast alloys were given a solutionizing treatment followed by artificial aging at 190C (374F) for 2 hrs. High temperature tensile tests were conducted at various temperatures. Optical microscopy and electron probe microanalysis were used to study the microstructure of the different intermetallic phases formed. The results revealed that the phases (Al,Si)(3)(Zr,Ti), Al3CuNi and Al9NiFe are the main features in the microstructures of alloys with Zr and Ni additions. The results also indicated that the tensile strength of such alloys decreases with an increase in temperature.