Effect of nickel on the microstructure and mechanical property of die-cast Al–Mg–Si–Mn alloy

The effect of nickel on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a die-cast Al–Mg–Si–Mn alloy has been investigated. The results show that the presence of Ni in the alloy promotes the formation of Ni-rich intermetallics. These occur consistently during solidification in the die-cast Al–Mg–Si–Mn alloy across different levels of Ni content. The Ni-rich intermetallics exhibit dendritic morphology during the primary solidification and lamellar morphology during the eutectic solidification stage. Ni was found to be always associated with iron forming AlFeMnSiNi intermetallics, and no Al3Ni intermetallic was observed when Ni concentrations were up to 2.06 wt% in the alloy. Although with different morphologies, the Ni-rich intermetallics were identified as the same AlFeMnSiNi phase bearing a typical composition of Al[100–140](Fe,Mn)[2–7]SiNi[4–9]. With increasing Ni content, the spacing of the α-Al–Mg2Si eutectic phase was enlarged in the Al–Mg–Si–Mn alloy. The addition of Ni to the alloy resulted in a slight increase in the yield strength, but a significant decrease in the elongation. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased slightly from 300 to 320 MPa when a small amount (e.g. 0.16 wt%) of Ni was added to the alloy, but further increase of the Ni content resulted in a decrease of the UTS.The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in the United Kingdom

Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), originated from America but is reported recently from Africa and the Asia-Pacific. FAW has caused huge international concern since its outbreak in Africa since 2016 and in Asia since mid-2018. The chapter mainly reviews its global distribution, life cycle, identification characters, strains, host plants, nature of damage, economic damage, and integrated pest management strategies available. The pest completes its life cycle on maize in 30 days (in warm summer months); in cooler temperatures, it may extend up to 60–90 days. For effective management of fall armyworm, different tools, viz., cultural control, agronomic management, breeding for resistance, natural enemies, and eco-friendly insecticides, should be used in an integrated approach. As the insect is recently introduced to Africa and the Asia-Pacific, possible management strategies and future cases of action are discussed

Material selection in machine design: The change of cast iron for improving the high-quality Iin woodworking

This paper analyses the possibility to substitute the gray iron, traditionally used for the production of relevant parts in woodworking machines, with ductile iron or vermicular iron. A large experimental campaign to determine the mechanical beaviour of ductile and vermicular irons respect to tensile, fatigue and fracture loads was conducted and the microstructures were also analyzed. Results show that ductile or vermicular cast iron in parts and components of machine tools could provide additional stiffness and resistance for the high precision woodworking respect to Grey Iron. A balanced utilization of these alternative irons would permit to take a full advantage by each specific propriety (as strength, hardness, weight, etc.)