An age hardening model for Al–7Si–Mg casting alloys

Yield strength (YS) ageing curves have been modelled for A356 and A357 aluminium casting alloys below the solvus temperature of the main hardening precipitate. Predictions are based on the Shercliff and Ashby methodology (Acta Metall. Mater. 38 (1990) 1789) for wrought alloys. Differences between strengthening in wrought and cast Al–Si–Mg alloys are considered. A Brinell hardness to YS conversion incorporating strain hardening has been established to enable YS ageing curves to be predicted with reduced experimental effort.