Inventory of alloy composition, microstructures and mechanical properties of automobile engine parts

Abstract

This research work investigated the chemical compositions, microstructures and mechanical properties of the ferrous and non-ferrous auto engine parts such as engine cylinder head, crankshaft, camshaft and connecting rod. The chemical compositions of the used auto engine parts were analysed, using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (EDXRF). The mechanical test results show that crankshaft possesses high strength, toughness and hardness and it is case hardened alloy steel while camshaft displays excellent resistance to wear, high brittleness and it is alloy cast Iron. Results also reveal that connecting rod possesses high strength and toughness and it is heat-treated alloy steel while cylinder head possesses brittle properties, light in weight and of low hardness and it is cast aluminum matrix alloy. Chemical analyses show that crankshaft, connecting rod and camshaft are formed of alloy with Iron matrix while cylinder head is formed of alloy with Aluminum matrix. The result shows that standard alloy compounds are not necessarily used in the formation of auto parts, but each manufacturer introduces some variation into the concentration of constituent elements to make alloy suitable for a given condition of usage. The result of this work can be used as a starting point for the development of our indigenous auto parts formulation.

Journal of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology Vol. 3(2) 2003: 37-40