Microstructure and mechanical properties stability of pre-hardening treatment in Al-Cu alloys for pre-hardening forming process

The stability of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the pre-hardened sheets during the pre-hardening forming(PHF)process directly determines the quality of the formed components.The microstructure stability of the pre-hardened sheets was in-vestigated by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and small angle X-ray scattering(SAXS),while the mechanical properties and formability were analyzed through uniaxial tensile tests and formability tests.The results in-dicate that the mechanical properties of the pre-hardened alloys exhibited negligible changes after experiencing 1-month natural aging(NA).The deviations of ultimate tensile strength(UTS),yield strength(YS),and sheet formability(Erichsen value)are all less than 2%.Also,after different NA time(from 48 h to 1 month)is applied to alloys before pre-hardening treatment,the pre-hardened alloys possess stable microstructure and mechanical properties as well.Interestingly,with the extension of NA time before pre-hardening treatment from 48 h to 1 month,the contribution of NA to the pre-hardening treatment is limited.Only a yield strength increment of 20 MPa is achieved,with no loss in elongation.The limited enhancement is mainly attributed to the fact that only a limited number of clusters are transformed into Guinier-Preston(GP)zones at the early stage of pre-hardening treatment,and the formation ofθ''phase inhibits the nucleation and growth of GP zones as the precipitated phase evolves.

Microstructure and Hot Tearing Sensitivity Simulation and Parameters Optimization for the Centrifugal Casting of Al-Cu Alloy

Four typical theories on the formation of thermal tears:strength,liquid film,intergranular bridging,and solidifica-tion shrinkage compensation theories.From these theories,a number of criteria have been derived for predicting the formation of thermal cracks,such as the stress-based Niyama,Clyne,and RDG(Rapaz-Dreiser-Grimaud)criteria.In this paper,a mathematical model of horizontal centrifugal casting was established,and numerical simulation analysis was conducted for the centrifugal casting process of cylindrical Al-Cu alloy castings to investigate the effect of the centrifugal casting process conditions on the microstructure and hot tearing sensitivity of alloy castings by using the modified RDG hot tearing criterion.Results show that increasing the centrifugal rotation and pouring speeds can refine the microstructure of the alloy but increasing the pouring and mold preheating temperatures can lead to an increase in grain size.The grain size gradually transitions from fine grain on the outer layer to coarse grain on the inner layer.Meanwhile,combined with the modified RDG hot tearing criterion,the overall distribution of the castings’hot tearing sensitivity was analyzed.The analysis results indicate that the porosity in the middle region of the casting was large,and hot tearing defects were prone to occur.The hot tearing tendency on the inner side of the casting was greater than that on the outer side.The effects of centrifugal rotation speed,pouring temperature,and preheating temperature on the thermal sensitivity of Al-Cu alloy castings are summarized in this paper.This study revealed that the tendency of alloy hot cracking decreases with the increase of the centrifugal speed,and the maximum porosity of castings decreases first and then increases with the pouring temperature.As the preheating temperature increases,the overall maximum porosity of castings shows a decreasing trend.

Hot deformation behavior of novel high-strength Mg-0.6Mn-0.5Al-0.5Zn-0.4Ca alloy

The hot compression behavior of as-extruded Mg-0.6Mn-0.5Al-0.5Zn-0.4Ca alloy was studied on a Gleeble-3500 thermal simulation machine.Experiments were conducted at temperatures ranging from 523 to 673 K and strain rates ranging from 0.001 to 1 s^(-1).Results showed that an increase in the strain rate or a decrease in deformation temperature led to an increase in true stress.The constitutive equation and processing maps of the alloy were obtained and analyzed.The influence of deformation temperatures and strain rates on microstructural evolution and texture was studied with the assistance of electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD).The as-extruded alloy exhibited a bimodal structure that consisted of deformed coarse grains and fine equiaxed recrystallized structures(approximately 1.57μm).The EBSD results of deformed alloy samples revealed that the recrystallization degree and average grain size increased as the deformation temperature increased.By contrast,dislocation density and texture intensity decreased.Compressive texture weakened with the increase in the deformation temperature at the strain rate of 0.01 s-1.Most grains with{0001}planes tilted away from the compression direction(CD)gradually.In addition,when the strain rate decreased,the recrystallization degree and average grain size increased.Meanwhile,the dislocation density decreased.Texture appeared to be insensitive to the strain rate.These findings provide valuable insights into the hot compression behavior,microstructural evolution,and texture changes in the Mg-0.6Mn-0.5Al-0.5Zn-0.4Ca alloy,contributing to the understanding of its processing-microstructure-property relationships.

Development of high-strength magnesium alloys with excellent ignition-proof performance based on the oxidation and ignition mechanisms: A review

High reactivity and ease of ignition are the major obstacles for the application of Mg alloys in aerospace.Thus,the ignition mechanisms of Mg alloys should be investigated systematically,which can guide the ignition-proof alloy design.This article concludes the factors influencing the ignition resistance of Mg alloys from oxide film and substrate microstructure,and also the mechanisms of alloying elements improving the ignition resistance.The low strength is another reason restricting the development of Mg alloys.Therefore,at the last section,Mg alloys with the combination of high strength and good ignition-proof performance are summarized,including Mg-Al-Ca based alloys,SEN(Mg-Al-Zn-Ca-Y)alloys as well as Mg-Y and Mg-Gd based alloys.Besides,the shortages and the future focus of theses alloys are also reviewed.The aim of this article is to promote the understanding of oxidation and ignition mechanisms of Mg alloys and to provide reference for the development of Mg alloys with high strength and excellent ignition-proof performance at the same time.

Microstructure Distribution Characteristics of High-Strength Aluminum Alloy Thin-Walled Tubes during Multi-Passes Hot Power Backward Spinning Process

The microstructure of the thin-walled tubes with high-strength aluminum alloy determines their final forming quality and performance. This type of tube can be manufactured by multi-pass hot power backward spinning process as it can eliminate casting defects, refine microstructure and improve the plasticity of the tube. To analyze the microstructure distribution characteristics of the tube during the spinning process, a 3D coupled thermo-mechanical FE model coupled with the microstructure evolution model of the process was established under the ABAQUS environment. The microstructure evolution characteristics and laws of the tube for the whole spinning process were analyzed. The results show that the dynamic recrystallization is mainly produced in the spinning deformation zone and root area of the tube. In the first pass, the dynamic recrystallization phenomenon is not obvious in the tube. With the pass increasing, the trend of dynamic recrystallization volume percentage gradually increases and extends from the outer surface of the tube to the inner surface. The fine-grained area shows the states of concentration, dispersion, and re-concentration as the pass number increases. .

Anisotropy of the crystallographic orientation and corrosion performance of high-strength AZ80 Mg alloy

A high-strength AZ80 Mg alloy was prepared through multi-direction forging,thermal extrusion,and peak-aged heat treatment.The microstructure,crystallographic orientation and corrosion performance of extrusion-direction,transverse-direction,and normal-direction specimens were investigated using scanning electron microscopy,electron backscatter diffraction,and atomic force microscopy,respectively.Experimental results showed that crystallographic orientation significantly influenced the corrosion performance of AZ80 Mg alloy.Corrosion rates largely increased with decreased(0001)crystallographic plane intensity,whereas the(10−10)and(2−1−10)crystallographic plane intensities increased.This study showed that the corrosion rates of alloy can be modified to some extent by controlling texture,thereby promoting the applications of high-strength AZ80 Mg alloys in the aerospace and national-defense fields.

Corrosion behavior of hypoeutectic Al-Cu alloys in H_2SO_4 and NaCl solutions

The aim of this work was to evaluate the electrochemical behaviour of hypoeutectic Al-Cu alloys immersed in two different solutions containing sulphate and chloride ions, respectively. The influence of Al2Cu associated to the dendritic arm spacing on the general corrosion resistance of such alloys is analysed. The typical microstructural pattern was examined by using scanning electron microscope. The corrosion tests were performed in both 0.5 M sulphuric acid and 0.5 M NaCl solutions at 25℃ by using an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy （EIS） technique and potentiodynamic polarization curves. Equivalent circuits by using the ZView software, were also used to provide quantitative support for the discussions. It was found that as the Cu content increased （i.e., increasing the Al2Cu fraction）, a higher susceptibility to the corrosion action in the NaCl solution is detected. In contrast, the tests carried out in the H2SO4 solution resulted in similar corrosion,rates for the three different hypoeutectic alloys.

Process of friction-stir welding high-strength aluminum alloy and mechanical properties of joint

The process of friction-stir welding 2A12CZ alloy has been studied. And strength and elongation tests have been performed, which demonstrated that the opportunity existed to manipulate friction-stir welding parameters in order to improve a range of material properties. The results showed that the joint strength and elongation arrived at their maximums (331 MPa and 4%) at 37.5 mm/min and 300 rpm. As welding parameters changing, joint tensile strength and elongation had similar development. Hardness measurement indicated that the weld was softened. However, there was considerable difference in softening degree for different joint zone. The weld top had lower hardness and wider softening zone than other zone of the weld. And softening zone at advancing side was wider than that at retreating side.

Squeeze casting of Al-Cu alloy

In order to use the cast method to replace forge method in producing the load bearing wheel used in certain heavy duty vehicle, simplified and reduced size load bearing wheels were squeeze cast and studied using Al Cu alloy. Tensile properties, hardness, microstructures and morphologies of the squeeze cast wheels were investigated. The results show that the finer microstructure, higher density, strength, toughness and hardness were achieved through the squeeze casting. Ultimate tensile strength of 428 MPa, yield strength of 360 MPa, elongation of 13.1% were achieved for T5 heat treated squeeze cast wheels. The Brinell hardness of squeeze cast wheels is from HB 120 to HB 137.

New high-strength Ti–Al–V–Mo alloy: from high-throughput composition design to mechanical properties

The high-throughput diffusion-multiple technique and thermodynamics databases were used to design new high-strength Ti alloys. The composition–microstructure–property relationships of the Ti64–xMo alloys were obtained. The phase fraction and composition of the α and β phases of the Ti64–xMo alloys were calculated using the Thermo-Calc software. After aging at 600℃, the Ti64–6 Mo alloy precipitated ultrafine α phases. This phenomenon was explained on the basis of the pseudo-spinodal mechanism by calculating the Gibbs energy curves of the α and β phases of the Ti64–xMo alloys at 600℃. Bulk forged Ti64–6 Mo alloy exhibited high strength and moderate plasticity after α/β-phase-field solution treatment plus aging. The tensile properties of the alloy were determined by the size and morphology of the primary and secondary α phases and by the β grain size.

Grain Refinement and Modification of Al-Cu Alloys with Yttrium

The refinement and modification of Al-Cu alloys can result in the change of solidification process,e.g.the nucleation temperature,eutectic arrest,solidification range and cooling rate.Specially,the refinement and modification of Al-Cu alloy can be achieved by addition of rare earth.In this paper,the effect of yttrium on the microstructure and solidification process of Al-Cu alloys was investigated by the method of thermal analysis.Meanwhile,the microstructure of Al-Cu alloy was observed by OM and SEM.The results show that θ(Al2Cu) phases change from mesh structure into fish-bone shape.Analysis indicates that yttrium causes a depression of solid-liquid coexistence zone and the disappearance of recalescence of the eutectic arrest.

In situ microtomography investigation of microstructural evolution in Al-Cu alloys during holding in semi-solid state

The aim of this paper is to report the results of experiments carried out on Al-Cu alloys with different Cu contents,studying the microstructure evolution during holding in the semi-solid state.The 3-D microstructure was observed by in situ X-ray microtomography carried out at ESRF Grenoble,France.The variation of the solid-liquid interface area per unit volume during holding was determined.In addition,local observations show that two coarsening mechanisms of the solid particles occur simultaneously:dissolution of small particles to the benefit of larger ones by an Ostwald-type mechanism and the growth of necks between solid particles due to coalescence.These observations confirm that in situ X-ray tomography is a very powerful tool to study the microstructure evolution in the semi-solid state and the influencing mechanisms in real-time.

STRUCTURE OF Al-Cu EUTECTIC ALLOY SOLIDIFIED IN COMPLEX FIELD OF CENTRIFUGAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FORCES

The effects of magnetic field on macro and microstructure of Al-CuAl2 eutectic alloy produced by electromagnetic centrifugal casting have been erperimentally investigated in the present paper. Electromagnetic stirring can lead to columnar formation in the cuter region and equiaxed in the inner, and otherwise cause the lamellae coarsened and the microstructure morphology to change from lamella to rod and then to block,if the electromagnetic stirring is intensified.

Erratum to: New high-strength Ti–Al–V–Mo alloy: from high-throughput composition design to mechanical properties

Erratum to:International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials Volume 26, Number 9, September 2019, Page 1151https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-019-1854-1The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The presentation of Fig. 11 was incorrect. The correct version is given below:

Moire Patterns of θ'Precipitates in Al-Cu Alloy

A θ＇precipitate in an Al-Cu alloy was imaged.Its Moire patterns shown by TEM were discussed.

Properties of Dispersion Casting of Y2O3 Particles in Hypo,Hyper and Eutectic Binary Al-Cu Alloys

In the present work,the dispersion casting of Y-2O-3 particles in aluminum-copper alloy was investigated in terms of microstructural changes with respect to Cu contents of 20 （hypo）,33 （eutectic） and 40 （hyper） wt pct by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS）.For the fabrication of Al-Cu alloy dispersed Y-2O-3 ceramic particles,stir casting method was employed.In case of Al-20 wt pct Cu alloy （hypoeutectic）,SEM images revealed that primary Al was grown up in the beginning.After that,eutectic phase with well dispersed ceramic particles was formed.In case of eutectic composition,Y-2O-3 particles were uniformly dispersed in the matrix.When the Cu is added into Al up to 40 wt pct （hypereutectic）,primary phase was grown up without any Y-2O-3 ceramic particles in the early stage of solidification.Thereafter, eutectic phase was formed with well dispersed ceramic particles.It can be concluded that Y-2O-3 ceramic particles is mostly dispersed in case of eutectic composition in Al-Cu alloy.

Recent progress in corrosion protection of friction stir welded high-strength aluminum alloy joints

Friction stir welding （FSW） has been widely used in many industries, with which high-strength aluminum alloys can be well joined. However, the corrosion resistance of FSW high-strength Al alloy joints is relatively poor, which limits their industrial applications. The joints shall be protected against corrosion. In this review, therefore, the current status and development of corrosion protection for FSW high-strength Al alloy joints are presented. Particular emphasis has been given to different protection methods ： lowering heat input, post-weld heat treatment, surface modification and spray coatings. Finally, opportunities are identified for further research and development in corrosion protection of FSW high-strength Al alloy joints.

High-strength aluminum alloys hollow billet prepared by two-phase zone continuous casting

The two-phase zone continuous casting(TZCC)technique was used to continuously cast high-strength aluminum alloy hollow billets,and a verified 3D model of TZCC was used to simulate the flow and temperature fields at casting speeds of 2-6 mm·min^(-1).Hollow billets under the same conditions were prepared,and their macro/microstructures were analyzed by an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope.During the TZCC process,a circular fluid flow appears in front of the mushy zone,and the induction heated stepped mold and convective heat transfer result in a curved solidification front with depressed region near the inner wall and a vertical temperature gradient.The deflection of the solidification front decreases and the average cooling rate in the mushy zone increases with increasing casting speed.Experimental results for a 2D12 alloy show that hot tearing periodically appears in the hollow billet accompanied by macrosegregation near the inner wall at casting speeds of 2 and 4 mm·min^(-1),while macroscopic defects of hot tearing and macrosegregation weaken and the average size of columnar crystals in the hollow billets decreases with further increasing casting speed.2D12 aluminum alloy hollow billets with no macroscopic defects,the finest columnar crystals,and excellent mechanical properties were prepared by TZCC at a casting speed of 6 mm·min^(-1),which is beneficial for the further plastic forming process.

Influence of Si and Ge Microalloying Additions and Plastic Deformation on Precipitation Processes in Al-Cu Based Alloys

The combined effect of micro-alloying with Si and Ge and/or plastic deformation prior to ageing at 160°C on age hardening has been studied in an Al-2 at% Cu alloy. The results obtained indicate that the hardness response is faster and the peak hardness is higher when plastic deformation and micro-alloying are applied together than performing each procedure individually. Different amounts of deformation, ranging from 0% to 30% have been utilized. An optimum deformation degree for the hardening response has been established around 8% for the Al-Cu-Si-Ge alloy. Characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows that the peak hardness is due to a complex microstructure that contained θ" disc shaped precipitates, rod-shaped Si-Ge precipitates and θ' plates that were heterogeneously nucleated on the Si-Ge particles. Pre-deformation has been found to stimulate the growth of the θ' plates due to enhanced diffusion along dislocation cores. Increasing deformation reduces the influence of the Si-Ge precipitates on heterogeneous nucleation, leading to reduced peak hardness and faster over-ageing.

Effect of alloying elements on magnesium alloy damping capacities at room temperature

Alloying is a good approach to increasing its strength but leads to a reduction of damping to pure magnesium.Classifying the alloying characteristics of various alloying elements in magnesium alloys and their combined effects on the damping and mechanical properties of magnesium alloys is important.In this paper,the properties of the Mg-0.6wt%X binary alloys were analyzed through strength measurements and dynamic mechanical analysis.The effects of foreign atoms on solid-solution strengthening and dislocation damping were studied comprehensively.The effect of solid solubility on damping capacity can be considered from two perspectives:the effect of single solid-solution atoms on the damping capacities of the alloy,and the effect of solubility on the damping capacities of the alloy.The results provide significant information that is useful in developing high-strength,high-damping magnesium alloys.This study will provide scientific guidance regarding the development of new types of damping magnesium alloys.