A review: Investigation, insights and perspectives on current hot tearing criteria of aluminum alloys

Hot tearing, a critical defect that hinders the widespread application of aluminum alloys, requires accurate predictions to enable effective mitigation strategies. Although extensive research has established a systematic theoretical framework addressing the nucleation, propagation, and influencing factors of hot tearing, the development of criteria for evaluating tearing susceptibility has historically received limited attention. Recent advances in the development of criteria have enriched our mechanistic understanding of hot tearing. This paper systematically reviews the primary hot-tearing criteria proposed to date, structured into four key sections: (1) fundamental theories of aluminum alloys and hot tearing, (2) mechanisms underlying hot-tearing formation, (3) detailed descriptions of the existing criteria, and (4) the limitations and application-specific conditions of these criteria. Finally, this study consolidates all the criteria into a comprehensive table to facilitate comparison for readers. This study conducted a more meticulous classification of the criteria and provided comments on the limitations of the vast majority of them. This finding holds significance for subsequent research on hot tearing.