Investigation of wear properties of magnesium and aluminum alloys for automotive applications

This research paper presents results of an investigation on the wear properties of die cast and sand cast magnesium alloys and aluminum alloys under dry and wet sliding conditions at different loading conditions. While magnesium alloy can be considered as an alternative material in many automotive applications, very few studies have been undertaken to investigate the wear properties of magnesium alloys under different loading and operating conditions. This study will help understand the wear characteristics of magnesium alloys in relation to aluminum alloys under various loading and lubricating conditions. Pin-on-disk equipment has been used to carry out wear tests in this study. Two magnesium alloys, AS21 and AZ91D, and an aluminum alloy, Al-CA 313, have been used as disks materials in this investigation. The pin was made from the sintered iron alloy material cut from the spur gear used in the gear pumps. Results include wear rates analysis, wear track characteristics and microstructure studies of test alloys.