摘要：New challenges for the Aluminium alloys used for the production of castings for automotive engine components are coming from the evolution trend of Internal combustion engines towards higher specific power output. Cylinder heads, in particular, have to withstand higher operating temperatures and stress levels. The present study is aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties at high temperature of Al-Si-Cu aluminium alloys traditionally used for the production of cylinder head castings. The obtained results are very promising, especially for what concerns the modified alloys. In fact, the resistance of base Al-Si-Cu alloy is fairly good up to 150°C, but drops at 250°C, while some interesting improvements have been achieved by modifying the composition of the base alloy with the addition of Mn and Ni, resulting in an increase of strength and ductility at both room and high temperatures. Further studies related to High Cycle Fatigue and creep resistance at high temperature are under way. Moreover, the research will be continued also considering other alloys families, like Al-Mg and Al-Cu and the results will be discussed in a second part of the article. RI
