Abstract

Primary aluminum is made from ore.  Secondary aluminum is made by recycling aluminum scrap.  Secondary aluminum alloys can have equivalent or better structural properties than alloys based on primary aluminum.  However, of great importance is the alloy design. This talk will discuss high pressure diecast (HPDC) secondary aluminum alloy design, and the resulting structural properties of these alloys. Of particular importance is impact, which will be illustrated with high - speed videos and graphs of structural properties. During the presentation the author will discuss concepts that should help you during your career such as:

(1) Understanding the historic literature is worth your time;

(2) Microstructure- Property Relationships Matter;

(3) Understanding the Scientific Mechanisms of why something works is important (leads to technical advances);

(4) The way you graph mechanical property data helps people understand (convert data into knowledge);

(5) Sustainability is a broad term – ask questions on your materials;

(6) The importance of understanding the business issues involving materials you work with.