Process-structure-property correlations for HPDC AM60B

In this paper, we characterize the local microstructure and mechanical properties of an AM60 magnesium alloy high- pressure die-casting in order to further develop predictive process- structure-property models. The casting process is simulated using the commercial code ProCAST™ in order to extract information regarding mold-filling and local solidification conditions including solidification rate and expected levels of shrinkage porosity. This data is used to predict the presence of knit lines, local porosity and the through-thickness variation of grain size (i.e. determination of skin and core thickness). Microstructural data is then used to predict upper and lower bounds on local mechanical properties including yield strength, tensile strength and ductility. A high degree of correlation between predicted and measured mechanical properties is found.