Fatigue crack growth rate of motorcycle wheel fabricated by centrifugal casting

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the rotation speed of casting and T6 heat treatment on the fatigue crack growth rate of a motorcycle wheel manufactured using centrifugal casting. The density, porosity, tensile properties, and microstructure were examined in the evaluation of the fatigue crack growth rate of the aluminum scrap. The results showed that applying increased rotation speed is effective in increasing the alloy's tensile stress and material density, as well in reducing porosity and fatigue propagation rate. T6 heat treatment also increases the aluminum's tensile properties and reduces the fatigue crack growth rate. Recycled aluminum alloys can be improved by increasing the rotation speed of centrifugal casting and following it with T6 heat treatment in the production of a cast motorcycle wheel. © 2019, Faculty of Metallurgy. All rights reserved.