Engineering Aerospace Engineering

Aluminum Alloy Microstructure Properties

Description

This cluster of papers focuses on recent developments in aluminium alloys for aerospace and automotive applications. It covers topics such as precipitation strengthening, grain refinement, microstructural evolution, corrosion behavior, mechanical properties, age hardening, and the role of intermetallic phases.

Keywords

Aluminium Alloys; Aerospace Applications; Automotive Industry; Precipitation Strengthening; Grain Refinement; Microstructural Evolution; Corrosion Behavior; Mechanical Properties; Age Hardening; Intermetallic Phases

This volume is a comprehensive reference source on the properties, selection, processing, testing, and characterization of metals and their alloys. Compiled principally from the ASM Handbook series, coverage is organized … This volume is a comprehensive reference source on the properties, selection, processing, testing, and characterization of metals and their alloys. Compiled principally from the ASM Handbook series, coverage is organized into five major parts. The first part features a collection of engineering property data and guidance on the structure and properties of metallic materials. It also includes articles covering engineering design and materials selection. The second part provides detailed coverage of the properties and selection of ferrous alloys and heat-resistant superalloys. Information is presented on irons, carbon and alloy steels, stainless steels, and powder metallurgy steels. The third part covers nonferrous alloys and special-purpose materials such as metal-matrix composites and structural intermetallics. The fourth part addresses processing methods, including detailed information on casting, heat treating and joining. The final section covers testing, inspection, characterization, failure analysis, fractography, and metallography. The volume includes a comprehensive glossary of metallurgical and metalworking terms and definitions. For information on the print version of the Metals Handbook Desk Edition, 2nd Edition, ISBN 978-0-87170-654-6, follow this link
AbstractAbstractPrecipitation hardening has long been used to increase the strength of commercial alloys, such as quenched and tempered steels and the duralumin type aluminium alloys. The theoretical treatments of precipitation … AbstractAbstractPrecipitation hardening has long been used to increase the strength of commercial alloys, such as quenched and tempered steels and the duralumin type aluminium alloys. The theoretical treatments of precipitation hardening are briefly considered. The equations for strengthening by ‘hard’ indeformable particles and by ‘soft’ deformable particles are presented, and the implications are discussed. These lead to the concept of an optimum particle size for a given system, but the optimum can vary from system to system depending upon the particle characteristics. A broad comparison is made between the increments in strength that occur due to precipitation in commercial alloys and the predictions of the theories; an important contribution to these increments in strength is shown to derive from variations in the volume fraction of precipitated particles that can be employed in the various systems.
of Engineering of the University of Arizona, contained about 60 presentations which covered a wide variety of finite element applications in biomechanics.The conference organizers (editors of this book) invited the … of Engineering of the University of Arizona, contained about 60 presentations which covered a wide variety of finite element applications in biomechanics.The conference organizers (editors of this book) invited the authors of 18 of these presentations to prepare manuscripts for publication in this book.The book starts with the introduction of a clinician's view and then a finite element specialist view of the method.G. T. Rab presents his views on the finite element method, special model problems with biologic materials, and problem of clinician-engineer collaboration.O. C. Zienkiewicz and D. W. Kelley then present the basic outline of the finite element process, its historical development, present trends, and its impact on the field of bioengineering.The remainder of the book presents a diverse array of finite element applications in biomechanics.Two chapters address the mechanics of biologic fluid flow.Normal mechanics of capillary flow, arterial flow, blood cell deformation, and peristaltic flow are discussed.Special problems of pulsatile flow through a stenosis and through an aneurysm are also considered.The application of the finite element method in soft tissue mechanics is demonstrated in an introductory chapter and a subsequent series of chapters dealing with the mechanics of the lungs and heart.Analyses of the role of interfacial forces in lung deformation, lung parenchyma, and the heart's left ventricle are discussed.The remainder of the book, and by far the most indepth treatment of a subject, is devoted to the finite element method applied to solid mechanics, predominantly orthopaedic problems.After a survey chapter on the role of finite element models in orthopaedics, subsequent chapters address specific orthopaedic applications.An application of the finite method to external fracture fixation devices is followed by studies of stress-morphology relationships in trabecular bone, stress distributions in the femoral head, intervertebral disk function, the mechanics of artificial joint fixation, cement-bone failure, the function of femoral endoprostheses, and head and neck injury mechanisms.This book assembles the highlights of what was a very interesting biomechanics conference.The presentations chosen for inclusion in this book survey well the diverse application of the finite element method to biomechanics problems and illustrate important problems unique to finite element modeling of biologic systems.The reader is introduced to problems associated with biologic variability, growth and maturation, nonlinear materials, anisotropic materials, incompressible materials, viscoelastic materials, and structural pathology.The book as a whole serves as an excellent introduction for the experienced finite element programmer to the applications and special problems of biologic system modeling.The individual chapters present new data, discussion, and reference useful to the reader with interest in one or more of the specific subject areas.
Grain refinement of aluminium and its alloys is common industrial practice. The field has been extensively investigated by many workers over the past 50 years, not only to develop efficient … Grain refinement of aluminium and its alloys is common industrial practice. The field has been extensively investigated by many workers over the past 50 years, not only to develop efficient grain refiners for different aluminium alloys, but also to achieve an understanding of the mechanism of grain refinement. The present review confines itself to the literature on grain refinement by heterogeneous nucleation and alloying. Initially, the fundamentals of grain refinement by inoculants are outlined. The types of grain refiner, Al-Ti-B master alloys in particular, and their methods of manufacture are next discussed. The grain refining tests to assess the efficiency of the grain refiners and the grain refining behaviour of aluminium alloys are also discussed in brief. The performance of a grain refiner, as well as the response of an aluminium alloy to grain refinement, is influenced by the microstructure of the grain refiner as controlled by the process parameters involved in its preparation and the alloying elements present in the aluminium alloy. The roles of these factors, and particularly the roles of poisoning elements such as Si, Cr, Zr, Li, are reviewed. The paper also reviews the mechanisms of grain refinement, the fading and poisoning phenomena, and the trends in the development of new grain refiners for aluminium alloys containing poisoning elements.
A method is presented here by which orientation distribution of crystallites in anisotropic polycrystalline samples can be derived from a set of plane-normal distributions obtained by x-ray diffraction measurements. It … A method is presented here by which orientation distribution of crystallites in anisotropic polycrystalline samples can be derived from a set of plane-normal distributions obtained by x-ray diffraction measurements. It is the generalization of the similar procedure proposed previously for analysis of samples having fiber texture. It thus represents a completely general solution to the problem of pole figure inversion, applicable to samples having any arbitrary symmetry elements. The plane-normal distribution function is expanded in a series of spherical harmonics, the coefficients of which, Qlmi, can be determined by numerical integration of experimental diffraction data. The crystallite distribution function is expanded in a series of generalized spherical harmonics which appear as solutions to the Schrödinger wave equation of a symmetric top. The coefficients of the crystallite distribution function, Wlmn, are then obtained as linear combinations of Qlmi. Symmetry properties of Wlmn arising from crystallographic or statistical symmetry elements existing in the sample are examined. The methods of estimating the series truncation errors and of minimizing the experimental error by a least-squares method, previously proposed in connection with fiber texture analysis, are still applicable here with appropriate generalizations. In addition it is shown that the effect of diffraction line broadening due to finite size or imperfection of crystallites can also be allowed for at least approximately.
Semisolid metal (SSM) processingis a relatively new technology for metal forming. Different from the conventional metal forming technologies which use either solid metals (solid state processing) or liquid metals (casting) … Semisolid metal (SSM) processingis a relatively new technology for metal forming. Different from the conventional metal forming technologies which use either solid metals (solid state processing) or liquid metals (casting) as starting materials, SSM processing deals with semisolid slurries, in which non-dendritic solid particles are dispersed in a liquid matrix. Semisolid metal slurries exhibit distinctive rheological characteristics: the steady state behaviour is pseudoplastic (or shear thinning), while the transient state behaviour is thixotropic. All the currently available technologies for SSM processing have been developed based on those unique rheological properties, which in turn originate from their non-dendritic microstructures. Year 2001 marks the 30th anniversary of the concept of SSM processing. Today, SSM processing has established itself as a scientifically sound and commercially viable technology for production of metallic components with high integrity, improved mechanical properties, complex shape, and tight dimensional control. Perhaps more importantly, it has demonstrated its great potential for further technological development andcommercial exploitation. In this paper, progress made on the scientific understanding, technological development, and industrial applications of SSM processingare reviewed. The areas for further research and development are also discussed.
A considerable part of the available literature on scandium in aluminium alloys is reviewed. Experimental data and assessments of the binary Al–Sc phase diagram, a wide range of ternary Al–Sc–X … A considerable part of the available literature on scandium in aluminium alloys is reviewed. Experimental data and assessments of the binary Al–Sc phase diagram, a wide range of ternary Al–Sc–X phase diagrams and a few higher order phase diagrams are accounted for, with emphasis on the aluminium rich part of the diagrams. The phase which is in equilibrium with Al, Al3Sc, can form by several different mechanisms, all of which are described. The precipitation kinetics of Al3Sc in binary Al–Sc alloys are discussed, and an overview of the reported influences of ternary alloying elements on the precipitation of Al3Sc is given. The Al3Sc phase particles can serve as a grain refiner in the Al melt, a dispersoid for controlling the grain structure of the alloy and a strengthening precipitate. Several examples of these three effects are mentioned, both in binary Al–Sc alloys, and in more complex alloys. The reported effects of Sc on the precipitation behaviour in Al–Cu, Al–Mg–Si, Al–Zn–Mg and Al–Li alloys are also revised. A brief account of the effects of Sc additions on the corrosion behaviour of Al and Al-alloys is given. Finally, some views on the current and future use of Sc-containing Al alloys are given.
The present study contains a critical review of work on the formation of precipitates and intermetallic phases in dilute precipitation hardening Al–Cu–Mg based alloys with and without Li additions. Although … The present study contains a critical review of work on the formation of precipitates and intermetallic phases in dilute precipitation hardening Al–Cu–Mg based alloys with and without Li additions. Although many suggestions for the existence of pre-precipitates in Al–Cu–Mg alloys with a Cu/Mg atomic ratio close to 1 have been made, a critical review reveals that evidence exists for only two truly distinct ones. The precipitation sequence is best represented as: supersaturated solid solution→co-clusters→GPB2/S"→S where clusters are predominantly Cu–Mg co-clusters (also termed GPB or GPB I zones), GPB2/S" is an orthorhombic phase that is coherent with the matrix (probable composition Al10Cu3Mg3) for which both the term GPB2 and S" have been used, and S phase is the equilibrium Al2CuMg phase. GPB2/S" can co-exist with S phase before the completion of the formation of S phase. It is further mostly accepted that the crystal structure of S' (Al2CuMg) is identical to the equilibrium S phase (Al2CuMg). The Perlitz and Westgren model for S phase is viewed to be the most accepted structure. 3DAP analysis showed that Cu–Mg clusters form within a short time of natural and artificial aging. Cu–Mg clusters and S phase contribute to the first and second stage hardening during aging. In Al–Cu alloys, the θ phase (Al2Cu) has I4/mcm structure with a=0.607 nm and c=0.487 nm, and θ' phase has a tetragonal structure and a=0.404 nm, c=0.58 nm, the space group is I4m2. Gerold's model for θ" (or GPII) appears to be favourable in terms of free energy, and is consistent with most experimental data. The transformation from GPI to GPII (or θ") seems continuous, and as Cu atoms will not tend to cluster together or cluster with vacancies, the precipitation sequence can thus be captured as: supersaturated solid solution→θ" (Al3Cu)→θ' (Al2Cu)→θ(Al2Cu). The Ω phase (Al2Cu) has been variously proposed as monoclinic, orthorhombic, hexagonal and tetragonal distorted θphase structures. It has been shown that Ω phase forms initially on {111}Al with c=0.935 nm and on further aging, the c lattice parameter changes continuously to 0.848 nm, to become identical to the orthorhombic structure proposed by Knowles and Stobbs (a=0.496 nm, b=0.858 nm and c=0.848 nm). Other models are either wrong (for example, monoclinic and hexagonal) or refer to a transition phase (for example, the Garg and Howe model with c=0.858 in a converted orthorhombic structure). For Al–Li–Cu–Mg alloys, the L12 ordered metastable δ' (Al3Li) phase has been observed by many researchers. The Huang and Ardell model for T1 phase (space group P6/mmm, a=0.496 nm and c=0.935 nm), appears more likely than other proposed structures. Other proposed structures are perhaps due to the T1 phase forming by the dissociation of ½<110> dislocations into ⅙<211> Shockley partials bounding a region of intrinsic stacking fault, in which copper and lithium enrichment of the fault produces a thin layer of the T1 phase.
This paper presents a survey of corrosion potentials, pitting potentials, and electrochemical characteristics for intermetallic particles commonly present in high-strength aluminum-based alloys. Results from relevant pure metals and solid solutions … This paper presents a survey of corrosion potentials, pitting potentials, and electrochemical characteristics for intermetallic particles commonly present in high-strength aluminum-based alloys. Results from relevant pure metals and solid solutions are also presented. It is seen that corrosion potentials and pitting potentials vary over a wide range for various intermetallics. Elaboration of the results reveals that the electrochemical behavior of intermetallics is more detailed than the simple noble or active classification based upon corrosion potential or estimated from the intermetallic composition. Intermetallics capable of sustaining the largest cathodic current densities are not necessarily those with the most noble , similarly those with the least noble will not necessarily sustain the largest anodic currents. The data herein was collected via the use of a microcapillary electrochemical cell facilitating electrode investigations upon intermetallic particles in the micrometer-squared range. This survey may be used as a tool for clarification of localized corrosion phenomena in Al alloys.
ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTThe Theory of the Properties of Metals and Alloys.H. H. UhligCite this: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1959, 81, 14, 3808Publication Date (Print):July 1, 1959Publication History Published online1 … ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTThe Theory of the Properties of Metals and Alloys.H. H. UhligCite this: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1959, 81, 14, 3808Publication Date (Print):July 1, 1959Publication History Published online1 May 2002Published inissue 1 July 1959https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ja01523a092https://doi.org/10.1021/ja01523a092research-articleACS PublicationsRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views104Altmetric-Citations1LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access optionsGet e-Alertsclose Get e-Alerts
Expanded and revised to cover developments in the field over the past 17 years, and now reprinted to correct errors in the prior printing, Phase Transformation in Metals and Alloys, … Expanded and revised to cover developments in the field over the past 17 years, and now reprinted to correct errors in the prior printing, Phase Transformation in Metals and Alloys, Third Edition provides information and examples that better illustrate the engineering relevance of this topic. It supplies a comprehensive overview of specific types o
An introductory source aimed at practicing engineers and material scientists, the text explains how to use phase diagrams. The more than 1,000 binary and 300 ternary diagrams included cover most … An introductory source aimed at practicing engineers and material scientists, the text explains how to use phase diagrams. The more than 1,000 binary and 300 ternary diagrams included cover most commercial alloy systems; compositions are presented in weight percent. Appendices include the melting and boiling points of the elements, their allotropic transformation and magnetic transition temperatures and their crystal structures.
One of the most effective methods of improving the properties of aluminium alloys is grain refining using Al-Ti-B master alloys. In contrast, zirconium is a key alloying element, used mainly … One of the most effective methods of improving the properties of aluminium alloys is grain refining using Al-Ti-B master alloys. In contrast, zirconium is a key alloying element, used mainly in 2xxx and 7xxx series aluminium alloys, where it contributes to dispersion enhancement and reduces the rate of dynamic recrystallisation. However, even trace amounts of zirconium—just a few hundredths of ppm—significantly reduce the performance of Al-Ti-B grain refiners, a phenomenon known as ‘Zr poisoning’. This study investigates the impact of holding time and the level of Al-5Ti-1B addition on the microstructure and properties of an AlMgSi(Cu) alloy containing 0.15 wt.% Zr, cast as 7-inch DC billets. The structure and phase distribution were characterised using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Grain size and morphology were evaluated through macrostructure analysis (etched cross-sections and polarised light microscopy), while chemical and elemental distributions were analysed via SEM-EDS and STEM-EDS mapping. Additionally, Brinell hardness measurements were conducted across the billet diameter to assess the correlation between grain size and mechanical properties. The results show that reducing holding time and increasing the Al-5Ti-1B addition improves grain refinement efficiency despite the presence of Zr. The finest grain structure (150–170 μm) and most homogeneous hardness distribution were achieved when the grain refiner was continuously fed during casting at 80 ppm B. These findings are supported by the literature and contribute to a deeper understanding of the Zr poisoning effect and its mitigation through optimized casting practice.
The intrinsic orders within deformable materials can be masked by lattice defects, an issue that has been largely overlooked. Uncovering these hidden orders is likely to offer new insights into … The intrinsic orders within deformable materials can be masked by lattice defects, an issue that has been largely overlooked. Uncovering these hidden orders is likely to offer new insights into material properties. Here, we address this issue by introducing a zero-gravity synthesis method to fabricate highly crystalline and nearly stress-free microspheres from deformable materials, as demonstrated with dysprosium metal. Interestingly, we find that the intrinsic atomic order of dysprosium is an unusual low-symmetry orthorhombic Cmcm phase, which contrasts with the widely accepted hexagonal P63/mmc structure. Through first-principles crystal field theory calculations, we determine the intrinsic orbital order, showing that the Cmcm phase arises from a nonzero quadrupole operator for the Dy's 4f-electron shell in its ferromagnetic state. This operator possesses an opposite sign compared to that of terbium, driving contrary significant magnetoelastic distortions within the basal plane. These findings aid in understanding the functions of rare-earth-related functional materials like giant magnetostriction. We expect to uncover more hidden orders in deformable materials, thereby deepening our knowledge of their performances.
In Al-Si alloy roll casting, the thickness of the foil and strip decreases as Si content decreases below 2 mass%, contrary to the expectation that the latent heat decreases as … In Al-Si alloy roll casting, the thickness of the foil and strip decreases as Si content decreases below 2 mass%, contrary to the expectation that the latent heat decreases as Si content decreases. This phenomenon was investigated experimentally using a melt spinning single roll caster, melt drag single roll caster, and vertical type high-speed twin roll cater. The results demonstrate that the peeling of the solidification layer influences the thickness of the foil and strip. The relationship between casting conditions and adhesion of the solidification layers was also investigated.
High-speed roll casting of AC2A aluminum alloys for casting was performed at speeds from 20 to 40 m/min using an unequal-diameter twin-roll caster to investigate the improvement of ductility and … High-speed roll casting of AC2A aluminum alloys for casting was performed at speeds from 20 to 40 m/min using an unequal-diameter twin-roll caster to investigate the improvement of ductility and sheet forming with roll-cast strips. The width of the cast strips was 100 mm. The roll-cast strips were homogenized and cold rolled to a thickness of 1 mm, and the resulting cold-rolled strips were then annealed before tensile testing, deep drawing, V-bending, and three-roll bending. Tensile testing was also performed for a T6 heat-treated test piece. The microstructure was observed using optical microscopy.
1xxx-series aluminum alloys are widely utilized in heat exchangers. During brazing, heat exchanger components are exposed to a short period of high temperature, which may trigger recrystallization and abnormal grain … 1xxx-series aluminum alloys are widely utilized in heat exchangers. During brazing, heat exchanger components are exposed to a short period of high temperature, which may trigger recrystallization and abnormal grain growth, ultimately compromising their mechanical properties. This study investigates the impact of Sc and Zr microalloying on the microstructure stability of hot deformed 1xxx alloys subjected to post-deformation annealing from 500 to 575 °C for 1 h to simulate brazing-type processes. Four alloys were studied: namely 1xxx base, Al-0.07Sc, Al-0.07Sc-0.10Zr and Al-0.19Sc-0.15Zr alloys. Annealing at 500 °C led to complete recrystallization in the base alloy, while higher annealing temperatures promoted abnormal grain growth. The Al-0.07Sc alloy resisted recrystallization at 500 °C but was fully recrystallized by 550 °C. In contrast, the Al-0.07Sc-0.10Zr alloy retained its grain stability up to 550 °C owing to the presence of stable Al3(Sc,Zr) precipitates; however, partial recrystallization occurred at 575 °C. The Al-0.19Sc-0.15Zr alloy preserved most of deformed microstructure even after annealing at 575 °C. It showed the highest recrystallization resistance among the four alloys studied owing to its highest number density and finest size of Al3(Sc,Zr) precipitates, which suggests that this alloy can be applied in even more extreme conditions including brazing temperatures above 575 °C.
The article presents the concept of overheating the liquid AlSi17 alloy significantly above the Tliq. temperature, holding it at this temperature for a specified time, and casting it into two … The article presents the concept of overheating the liquid AlSi17 alloy significantly above the Tliq. temperature, holding it at this temperature for a specified time, and casting it into two moulds with different cooling rates: a bentonite-based sand mould and a copper chill mould. Based on the obtained research results, it was found that overheating the AlSi17 alloy to temperatures of 920-960°C significantly improves mechanical properties, namely: tensile strength by approximately 40%, yield strength by approximately 70%, elongation by approximately 89% (for the sand mould - SM) and approximately 61% (for the copper metal mould - MM), reduction of area/ narrowness by approximately 67% (for SM) and approximately 51% (for MM) compared to the alloy without overheating. This process also reduces the scatter of the tested properties, indicating better homogeneity of the cast structure. Overheating the AlSi17 alloy to the optimal temperature range above Tliq. (in terms of the tested mechanical properties) also affects the morphology of primary silicon crystals. Such a structure, improving mechanical properties, increases the application area of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries for heavily loaded castings operating under extreme thermal-mechanical stress conditions.
The effects of fin height, base thickness, blackening, emissivity and thermal conductivity on the heat dissipation for die-cast aluminum alloy heat sinks were investigated comprehensively. The thermal conductivity and emissivity … The effects of fin height, base thickness, blackening, emissivity and thermal conductivity on the heat dissipation for die-cast aluminum alloy heat sinks were investigated comprehensively. The thermal conductivity and emissivity vary depending on the aluminum alloy. It was clarified whether correlations between the influences of these factors exist. Three aluminum alloys with different thermal conductivities and emissivities were used in this study. Four-finned heat sinks were produced by die casting. Four fin heights and three base thicknesses were tested. In the as-cast (non-blackened) heat sinks, the emissivity had a greater effect on the heat dissipation than the thermal conductivity did. In blackened heat sinks, the heat dissipation increased as the thermal conductivity increased. For both the as-cast and blackened heat sinks, the heat dissipation increased as both the fin height and base thickness increased. Correlations between these influencing factors were also investigated. The blackened heat sink made from aluminum alloy with larger thermal conductivity showed the best heat dissipation performance.
This article studies the effects of a laser remelting treatment on the microstructure and properties of Al-Cu-Mn alloy surfaces, as well as the effects of a heat treatment process on … This article studies the effects of a laser remelting treatment on the microstructure and properties of Al-Cu-Mn alloy surfaces, as well as the effects of a heat treatment process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the matrix zone and remelting zone. The results showed that the remelting zone structure was mainly composed of equiaxed dendrites and fine columnar dendrites. The α(Al) phase and θ(Al2Cu) phase were greatly refined after laser remelting. The T(Al12CuMn2) phase was completely dissolved into the α(Al) matrix. The hardness of the remelting zone increased significantly with an increase in the height of the molten pool, and the strengthening mechanism was mainly fine grain strengthening and second phase strengthening. For identical aging treatments, the solution treatment at 530 °C for 4 h yielded the highest hardness. Relative to samples aged without prior solution treatment, hardness increased by 80% in the matrix zone and 59.1% in the remelting zone. When the solid solution process was the same, the time to reach peak hardness was shortened when the aging temperature increased, and the hardness of both the matrix zone and remelting zone reached its peak at 175 °C for 8 h of aging. After aging, the friction coefficient of the alloy decreased due to the increase in the strength of the alloy.
Microalloying aluminum alloys have exhibited excellent conductivity and ductility, which can meet the increasing requirements of applications in high‐speed train electric equipment as well as the goals for energy conservation. … Microalloying aluminum alloys have exhibited excellent conductivity and ductility, which can meet the increasing requirements of applications in high‐speed train electric equipment as well as the goals for energy conservation. However, the low tensile strength, because of the lack of precipitation, has limited these potential applications of microalloying aluminum alloy. The present work has proposed microalloying of the rare earth Er element in an Al‐based alloy combining homogenization annealing treatment to break the disproportionate match between tensile property and electrical conductivity of the alloys. The results demonstrate that microalloying with the Er element inhibits the intrinsic growth of α‐Al, promoting a significant grain refinement of the alloy. Besides, the shape of Al 13 Fe 4 particles has also been modified. The subsequent homogenization annealing treatment at 550 °C for 1 h has resulted in a synergistic increase of the tensile property and electrical conductivity in the Al–0.7Fe–0.4 Mg–0.1Si–0.5Er alloy, where the ultimate tensile strength has reached 114 MPa, the elongation to failure has remained 28.2%, and the electrical conductivity has regained 58.8 %IACS. Based on the yield strength expression calculation, the emergence of the Al 3 Er phase primarily contributes to the strengthening of the 0.5 wt% Er alloy.
This study systematically investigates the influence of grain refinement on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of recycled Al-7Si-0.3Mg-1Fe alloy through the addition of varying concentrations (0–1.25 wt.%) of Al-5Ti-2B … This study systematically investigates the influence of grain refinement on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of recycled Al-7Si-0.3Mg-1Fe alloy through the addition of varying concentrations (0–1.25 wt.%) of Al-5Ti-2B master alloy. The synergistic effects of Al-5Ti-2B on the α-Al phase, eutectic Si, and Fe-rich intermetallics were characterized using metallographic analysis, XRD, SEM-BSE imaging, and EDS. In the unrefined alloy, the microstructure consisted of an α-Al solid solution with coarse plate-like eutectic Si, while Fe primarily formed needle-like β-Al5FeSi phases that either surrounded or penetrated the eutectic Si. Increasing the Al-5Ti-2B addition refined both the α-Al dendrites and eutectic Si, while the β-Al5FeSi phase transitioned from coarse to fine needles. The optimal refinement was achieved at a 1% Al-5Ti-2B addition, yielding a tensile strength of 149.4 MPa and elongation of 4.3%. However, excessive addition (1.25%) led to eutectic Si aggregation and β-Al5FeSi coarsening, resulting in mechanical property deterioration and brittle fracture behavior. These findings provide insights into optimizing grain refinement for enhancing the performance of recycled Al-Si-Mg-Fe alloys.
Metallographic evaluation of nodular cast iron is crucial for quality control in the foundry industry. Traditionally, this process relies on experts who visually interpret microscopic images. This study introduces HawkEye, … Metallographic evaluation of nodular cast iron is crucial for quality control in the foundry industry. Traditionally, this process relies on experts who visually interpret microscopic images. This study introduces HawkEye, a comprehensive software solution that automates metallographic analysis using advanced computer vision and deep learning models. Specifically, HawkEye software dynamically adapts its processing workflow based on the input image and its typological classification. The software supports both etched and non-etched specimens and automates the segmentation and classification of graphite nodules, gathering their morphological descriptors; it identifies microstructural phases and provides a global quality assessment. All these functions are embedded into a user-friendly interface designed for both laboratory and industrial use. Nevertheless, the key contribution of this work is the replacement of subjective evaluation with a reproducible, AI-driven approach, which significantly enhances the objectivity, traceability, and scalability of metallurgical analysis. In fact, the proposed approach achieves 99% accuracy in nodule classification compared to manual expert assessment, reduces manual image processing steps, and introduces a novel method for ferrite/perlite measurement in combination with carbide detection using YOLO and SAM models.
In this study, a vertical semi-continuous casting method enhanced by MV and EMF was used to prepare Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy. The findings demonstrate that the combined application of MV and EMF … In this study, a vertical semi-continuous casting method enhanced by MV and EMF was used to prepare Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy. The findings demonstrate that the combined application of MV and EMF promotes the transformation of solidification microstructure from columnar dendrites to equiaxed grains, resulting in a significant grain refinement. Additionally, the macro-segregation of the Sn element and the associated tensile properties show significant improvement. The segregation rates of surface inverse segregation and center positive segregation improve from 11.5% and −12.6% to 2.1% and −1.4%, respectively. When compared to the original alloy, the hardness, UTS, YS and EL simultaneously increase from 163 HV, 406 MPa, 223 MPa, and 26.1% to 195 HV, 477 MPa, 261 MPa, and 30.1%.
This study aimed to evaluate the hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) of the Al-0.9Mg-0.7Si aluminium casting alloy, with a particular focus on how cooling rates and thermal stresses during solidification influence … This study aimed to evaluate the hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) of the Al-0.9Mg-0.7Si aluminium casting alloy, with a particular focus on how cooling rates and thermal stresses during solidification influence this phenomenon. To capture these parameters, the experiment employed the constrained rod casting (CRC) technique, which facilitated the real-time measurement of both cooling and force curves. Hot tearing was analysed across various casting configurations, incorporating different feeding mechanisms to assess their effect on tear resistance. The fracture surfaces resulting from hot tearing were examined in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), providing insight into the microstructural characteristics at the tear sites. The results revealed that the Al-0.9Mg-0.7Si alloy exhibits an HTS value of 12, indicating moderate susceptibility under the tested conditions. Furthermore, the alloy displayed an average cooling rate of 7.95 °C/s and an average maximum load of 233.01 N, underscoring the significant impact of thermal gradients and induced stress on crack formation. These findings enhance the understanding of the factors governing hot tearing in aluminium alloys, with potential implications for alloy design and process optimisation aimed at reducing defects in cast aluminium products.
In the present study, fatigue performance of 6061-T6 and 6082-T6 commercially available extruded aluminum alloys in dry air and 3.5 wt% NaCl-saturated environment was investigated and compared. It was found … In the present study, fatigue performance of 6061-T6 and 6082-T6 commercially available extruded aluminum alloys in dry air and 3.5 wt% NaCl-saturated environment was investigated and compared. It was found that the aggressive chloride environment accelerated fatigue failure by up to an order of magnitude compared to laboratory air. Furthermore, alloy 6061-T6 shows more predictable fatigue life, having less scatter in its time to failure in a corrosive environment. The presence of localized pitting corrosion, particularly in Fe-rich intermetallic phases, provides initiation sites for fatigue cracks, leading to premature failure in both alloys. The corrosion fatigue cracks dominantly propagate through the grain interiors rather than along grain boundaries, indicating a tendency to transgranular crack propagation mechanisms. The effect of different loading frequencies (10 Hz and 0.2 Hz) on the corrosion fatigue life of 6061-T6 alloy showed a slightly enhanced fatigue life at the higher frequency. It was also found that alloy 6061-T6 was susceptible to pitting corrosion in NaCl-saturated environments with concentrations ranging between 0.5 wt% and 3.5 wt% without exhibiting significant changes in fatigue life.