Designing for the Fatigue Performance of Magnesium Die Castings

Designing for fatigue performance requires extensive knowledge of material properties, component geometry and dynamic loading conditions. These topics are addressed in an ongoing cohesive research program on fatigue behavior of magnesium die castings. The current phase of the program includes effects of alloy type, mean stress level, surface condition, and level of tensile properties. The results, presented as S-N curves and Goodman diagrams, show a significant difference in the fatigue life between AZ91D and the AM alloys. Fatigue behavior of AM60B was strongly dependent on the mean stress level, but was not significantly influenced by a minor difference in casting quality. The fatigue behavior of AM50A was not noticeably changed by the addition of vibratory polishing.