| Abstract Scope |
In search of an aluminum alloy that meets the elevated temperature strength and stability requirements of the aerospace and automotive industries, a particular interest is paid to alternate alloying elements, including cerium which forms the Al11Ce3 intermetallic upon eutectic solidification. The size, morphology, and distribution of Al11Ce3 intermetallic play a vital role in the strengthening of these alloys. Changing solidification cooling rate is a fundamental way to influence the nucleation and growth of this intermetallic. To study the effect of Ce content in alloys subjected to different cooling rates, hypoeutectic, eutectic, and hypereutectic alloy systems are created using different fabrication techniques, including conventional casting, arc melting, and laser powder bed fusion, that span several orders of magnitude in cooling rates. The effect of cooling rate is then studied through microstructural characterization, microhardness measurements at room temperature, and high-temperature creep testing. |