Abstract:
A quantitative metallographic method to measure skin layer thickness in high pressure die cast aluminum components. Because the faster-cooling skin layer region exhibits a higher volume fraction of eutectic phases than that of a slower-cooling inner region, measurements showing such higher eutectic phases can be used to quantify such layer thickness. An image at various thicknesses of a location of interest in a cast component sample is first obtained using an image analyzer, from which eutectic volume fractions within each of the received images may be determined. Comparisons of the determined volume fractions can be made against a known or predicted quantity for a particular alloy composition, and then correlated to the skin layer thickness via differences between the received or measured quantities and those of the known standard.
Abstract:
A method of reducing entrained aluminum oxides in aluminum castings. The method comprises preheating a furnace charge to remove moisture and contaminants. The furnace charge is then coated on all free surfaces with a layer of flux. Subsequently the furnace charge is melted in a furnace to form a melt bath of liquid aluminum suitable for casting. The flux layer removes the naturally occurring oxide film from the furnace charge surface as well as provides a cover flux to protect the melt bath from oxidation.
Abstract:
A method of forming a casting using a casting apparatus is disclosed, the method including the steps of lowering a ladle having a hollow interior into a source of molten material and an aperture facilitating flow into the hollow interior, filling the interior of the ladle with the molten material through the aperture, introducing an inert gas into a portion of a nozzle, removing the ladle from the source of molten material, causing the nozzle to contact a casting mold, and pressurizing the hollow interior with an inert gas to cause the molten material to flow into the casting mold.
Abstract:
A composite conductor for a vehicle, a propulsion system for a vehicle, and a method of forming a composite busbar for a vehicle. The composite conductor includes a surface, and a first copper tape laminated to the surface. The composite conductor is electrically conductive exhibiting an electrical conductivity of 1.0×10{circumflex over (7)} Siemens per meter (S/m) or greater. The first copper tape includes a layer of carbon nanotubes sandwiched between a first copper layer and a second copper layer. The composite busbar may be connected to a plurality of windings in the stator of an electric motor.
Abstract:
A high pressure die casting (HPDC) system for casting ultra-large single-piece castings for vehicles. The HPDC system includes a clear feeding path from at least one ingate to a predetermined thicker section of a mold cavity, a last to solidify ingate having an equivalent or larger feeding modulus than the highest feeding modulus of the other ingates, and thermal management elements. The clear feeding path, last to solidify ingate, and thermal management elements ensure sufficient supplemental molten metal flow to the thicker portion of the mold cavity to accommodate for shrinkage of the thicker portion of an ultra large casting during the casting and solidification process.
Abstract:
An induction rotor assembly having conductive bars is provided. The assembly comprises a lamination stack comprising a body having a first end and second ends to define a longitudinal axis. The body has an outer circumferential portion extending from the first end to the second end. The outer portion has a plurality of walls defining open slots formed from the first end through the second end. The assembly further comprises a first ring disposed on the first end and a second ring disposed on the second end. The assembly further comprises a plurality of conductive bars extending between the first and second rings. Each conductive bar is disposed in one of the slots such that the respective conductive bar is in contact with the lamination stack and connects the first and second rings. Each bar comprises an inner portion and a conductive outer skin disposed about the inner portion.
Abstract:
A system and method of manufacturing an aluminum fuel cell cradle are provided. The method comprises providing a negative cast mold having cavities to form the cradle having a length greater than a width to define a longitudinal axis and providing a feeding mechanism disposed about the mold and in fluid communication with the cavities thereof. The feeding mechanism comprises primary risers connected to and in fluid communication with the cavities. The method further comprises melting a first metallic material to define a molten metallic material, moving the mold to a vertical orientation about the longitudinal axis while feeding molten metallic material through the runner to the cavities, and moving the cast mold to a horizontal orientation. A second solidification time in the risers is greater than a first solidification time in the mold such that shrinkage of the solidified metallic material occurs in the risers away from the mold.
Abstract:
A three-dimensional part as well as a method and system for creating the three-dimensional part. The three-dimensional part including a first portion of a three-dimensional part formed from a first plurality of successively deposited layers, with a cavity defined in the first portion of the three-dimensional part. A magnet is inserted in the cavity and a cover disposed on the magnet in the cavity. In addition, a second portion of the three-dimensional part is formed form a second plurality of successively deposited layers deposited on the first portion of the three-dimensional part and the cover.
Abstract:
An additive manufactured piston having a crown portion and a skirt portion form of an aluminum-cerium-silicon alloy. The piston includes a least one recess pocket in an unstressed region located at an interface between an inner surface of the crown portion and an outer surface of the skirt portion. The skirt portion includes an outer panel surface defining an external rib adjacent a peripheral end surface, at least one stiffening rib extending from a pin boss to a skirt end, and a wall thickness of between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm in a region between the external rib and the at least one stiffening rib. The skirt portion further includes an internal first rib having a width W1 on a thrust side portion and an internal second rib having a width W2 located on an anti-thrust side portion, in which W1 is greater than W2.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a crankshaft for an internal combustion engine with a plurality of journals having a hardened case with a first microstructure. The crankshaft is comprised of a steel comprising between about 0.3 wt % and 0.77 wt % Carbon. The first microstructure of the hardened case of the journals comprises between about 15% and 30% ferrite and a balance of martensite and the resultant subsurface residual stress between 310 MPa and 620 MPa.