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USAMP Magnesium Powertrain Cast Components: Fundamental research summary

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Abstract

The Magnesium Powertrain Cast Components (MPCC) Project is an effort, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Automotive Materials Partnership (USAMP), to demonstrate the readiness of magnesium for use in powertrain applications by testing a set the magnesium-intensive engines which were designed, cast, and assembled. A second MPCC goal is to promote new and strengthen existing magnesium scientific research in North America. The project investigated several of the newly developed high-temperature (creep-resistant) magnesium alloys, which will potentially experience service conditions in the temperature range of 150–200°C and about 50–110 MPa in stresses (typical powertrain). However, the mechanical and physical behaviors of these new alloys are not fully understood. This article outlines MPCC-supported fundamental scientific research into the workings of these new alloys. The areas of research are: phase equilibrium and computational thermodynamics, creep deformation mechanisms, corrosion, hot tearing, and alloy recycling.

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Author’s Note: This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory under Award Number(s) DE-FC05-95OR22363, DE-FC05-02OR22910, and DE-FC26-02OR22910. This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof.

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Beals, R.S., Liu, ZK., Wayne Jones, J. et al. USAMP Magnesium Powertrain Cast Components: Fundamental research summary. JOM 59, 43–48 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-007-0103-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-007-0103-7

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