| Biography | |
|---|---|
 Prof. Hongfa (Henry) Hu Automotive & Materials Engineering, University of Windsor, Canada |
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| Title: Effect of Sr and Ni Addition on Microstructure, Tensile Behavior and Electrical Conductivity of Squeeze Cast Al-6Si-3Cu Al Allo | |
| Abstract: Mechanical strengths and electrical conductivity are the very important engineering properties of lightweight aluminum (Al) alloys used in automobiles, especially for battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV). However, the main issue is that the mechanical properties and the electrical conductivity of Al alloys are mutually exclusive. This study aims to simultaneously improve both the tensile properties and the electrical conductivity of the squeeze as-cast Al-6wt% Si-3wt% Cu by modifying its microstructure with the addition of nickel (Ni) and strontium (Sr). In comparison to those of the alloy free of Sr and Ni, the additions of 0.03 wt.% Sr and 0.5 wt.% Ni in the Al-6Si- 3Cu alloy significantly improved the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and electrical conductivity. This was because the addition of Ni element, as a transition element, collaborated with Cu to form fine intermetallic Al-Cu-Ni phases for dispersion strengthening. Also, the modification of the Si morphology from micron needles to nano particles by the Sr addition enhanced both the strengths and electrical conductivity of the developed alloy. | |
| Biography: Dr. Hongfa (Henry) Hu is a tenured full Professor at Department of Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering, University of Windsor. He was a senior research engineer at Ryobi Die Casting (USA), and a Chief Metallurgist at Meridian Technologies, and a Research Scientist at Institute of Magnesium Technology. He received degrees from University of Toronto (Ph.D., 1996), University of Windsor (M.A.Sc., 1991), and Shanghai University of Technology (B.A.Sc., 1985). He was a NSERC Industrial Research Fellow (1995-1997). His publications (over 150 papers) are in the area of magnesium alloys, composites, metal casting, computer modelling, and physical metallurgy. He was a Key Reader of the Board of Review of Metallurgical and Materials Transactions, a Committee Member of the Grant Evaluation Group for Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, National Science Foundation (USA) and Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly. He has served as a member or chairman of various committees for CIM-METSOC, AFS, and USCAR. The applicant’s current research is on materials processing and evaluation of light alloys and composites. His recent fundamental research is focussed on transport phenomena and mechanisms of solidification, phase transformation and dissolution kinetics. His applied research has included development of magnesium automotive applications, cost-effective casting processes for novel composites, and control systems for casting processes. His work on light alloys and composites has attracted the attention of several automotive companies. | |
