Title: Comparison of dynamic mechanical properties of non-superheated and superheated A357 alloys,
Abstract: The influence of superheat treatment on the microstructure and dynamic
mechanical properties of A357 alloys has been investigated. The study of
microstructure was performed by the optical microscope. Dynamic mechanical
properties (storage modulus, loss modulus, and damping capacity) were measured
by the dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). Microstructure showed coarser and
angular eutectic Si particles with larger {\alpha}-Al dendrites in the
non-superheated A357 alloy. In contrast, finer and rounded eutectic Si
particles together with smaller and preferred oriented {\alpha}-Al dendrites
have been observed in the superheated A357 alloy. Dynamic mechanical properties
showed an increasing trend of loss modulus and damping capacity meanwhile a
decreasing trend of storage modulus at elevated temperatures for superheated
and non-superheated A357 alloys. The high damping capacity of superheated A357
has been ascribed to the grain boundary damping at elevated temperatures.