Fatigue Performance of Light-Weight Alloys: Influences of Shot Peening and Pre-Corrosion

Author:  C. Mueller and L. Wagner
Source:  Conf Proc: ICSP-9 (pg 288-295)
Doc ID:  2005099
Year of Publication:  2005
Abstract:  
INTRODUCTION The reduction of vehicle weight by using light-weight structural alloys such as those based on magnesium, aluminum and titanium for body as well as suspension parts is one of the most promising ways to reduce fuel consumption and improve driving performance. Superior fatigue properties of the materials are an important requirement for these applications [1,2]. Since shot peening is known as a low cost finishing treatment that is able to markedly improve the fatigue life of many structural materials such as steels and cast irons, the effect of shot peening on the fatigue performance of the more expensive light-weight alloys is of particular importance for automotive applications. In addition to fatigue loading, exterior body as well as suspension components of a vehicle are subjected to aggressive environments, e.g., aqueous NaCl solutions. Thus, the fatigue performance of these materials in such corrosive environments needs to be studied [3,4]. In the present investigation, potential improvements in high cycle fatigue (HCF) performance of light-weight alloys based on Al, Mg and Ti by shot peening are outlined with particular emphasis put on the effect of corrosive environments.