Constitutive behavior of as-cast A356

The constitutive behavior of aluminum alloy A356 in the as-cast condition has been characterized using compression tests performed over a wide range of deformation temperatures (30–500 °C) and strain rates (∼0.1–10 s−1). This work is intended to support the development of process models for a wide range of conditions including those relevant to casting, forging and machining. The flow stress behavior as a function of temperature and strain rate has been fit to a modified Johnson–Cook and extended Ludwik–Hollomon expression. The data has also been assessed with both the strain-independent Kocks–Mecking and Zener–Hollomon frameworks. The predicted plastic flow stress for each expression are compared. The results indicate that the extended Ludwik–Hollomon is best suited to describe small strain conditions (stage III hardening), while the Kocks–Mecking is best employed for large strain (stage IV). At elevated temperatures, it was found that the Zener–Hollomon model provides the best prediction of flow stress.