Characterization of fracture and debonding of silicon particles in aluminium silicon alloys

AlSi alloy engines have been used to reduce fuel consumption and CO 2 emission. The wear resistance of AlSi surface is thought to originate from the high hardness of the silicon surface formed by the primary Si particles (inclusions). The mechanical strength of the Al/Si interface and fracture toughness of Si particles in Al matrix are the primary factors determining the strength on the load bearing formation.;In this work, a hybrid method to characterize the fracture and interface debonding of Si particles in an AlSi alloy has been developed, which combining a nanoindentation experiment and a finite element analysis. The dependence of indentation response on the interface strength and Si particle fracture was systematically studied from the threshold stress for the sink-in of the Si particles. An indentation map showing the Al/Si interface debonding, Si particle fracture and Al matrix plastic deformation has been constructed.