Papers by Author: Tanja Pettersen

Abstract: The properties and surface appearance of aluminium extrusion are critically dependent on the microstructure and texture of the extruded profiles, and the requirements with respect to these aspects may vary with applications. Moreover it is often a challenge to produce extrusions with a consistent and homogenous grain structure and texture along as well as through the cross section of the profiles. It is thus vital to understand and be able to predict (model) how different microstructures and textures are formed and how they evolve during and after extrusion. In the present work a model framework has been implemented which includes a FEM model to account for the strain, strain rate and temperature along a set of particle paths during extrusion. From these the deformation texture and grain structure are calculated with an appropriate deformation texture model and a sub-structure evolution model, respectively. The sub-structure model have in the present work been coupled to a crystal plasticity model to provide an orientation dependent subgrain size and dislocation density during deformation which provides the driving force for the post-extrusion recovery and possible recrystallization behaviour. The post-extrusion microstructure and texture evolution is calculated with a recovery and recrystallization model, which is accompanied by a recrystallization texture model. The framework and its constituent models and their interplay are presented, and some preliminary results when applying this modelling framework to Al-Mg-Si extrusions are presented and discussed in view of corresponding experimental results.

Abstract: During casting and homogenisation of aluminium the microstructural fundament for further processing is made. Particle structure (dispersoids and primary particles), grain structure and level of elements in solid solution govern the mechanical and annealing properties of the material. In 3xxx-alloys, Mn in solid solution and Mn-containing dispersoids formed during homogenisation play an important role in controlling the recrystallization behaviour of the material [e.g. 1, 2, 3]. Other elements, such as Si, will have an influence on the formation of dispersoids [4, 5]. Hence, to control the annealing behaviour of the material, it becomes important to control the particle structure. In the present investigation, an AA3103 alloy, and modified versions of this alloy, have been investigated. Various homogenisation treatments have been performed and the resulting material has been studied. Electrical conductivity has been measured and microstructural investigations have been carried out.

Abstract: In the present investigation the particle structure in an AA1200 sheet ingot used for litho applications has been studied. Caustic etching of the as-cast material was seen to result in a zone close to the surface with a different etching response. This zone was identified as what is known as a fir-tree zone or an Altenpohl zone [1,2,3,4]. A variation in particle type over the cross section of the as-cast ingot was seen to follow the differences in etching response. After heat treatment of the material, the fir-tree zones were no longer visible, and the accompanying change in particle structure was studied. Samples from the subsurface regions and from a distance of ~20 cm from the surface has been investigated before and after heat treatment. In the as-cast material, the sample from the surface was dominated by featherlike particles with long strings of particles, identified as AlmFe. While closer to the centre Al3Fe and Al6Fe were seen to be the main phases, however, some AlmFe and probably some α-AlFeSi was also found in this sample. After heat treatment, the particle structure was seen to change, and the surface sample contained mainly Al3Fe in addition to a small amount of AlmFe. The change in particle structure during heat treatment is discussed with reference to the change in etching response.

Abstract: A simplified numerical model for the solid state phase transformation from Al6(Mn,Fe) to α-Al(Mn,Fe)Si phase in 3xxx alloys has been constructed. In this model, the phase transformation is assumed to be initiated by the heterogeneous nucleation of α-Al(Mn,Fe)Si dispersoids at the interface between Al6(Mn,Fe) particle and matrix and the growth of the α- Al(Mn,Fe)Si phase into the Al6(Mn,Fe) particle is controlled by the diffusion of Si from the matrix. The model has been implemented into a numerical homogenization model. The simulation results show that the implementation of the phase transformation model improves much the prediction results of the homogenization model on the evolution of solid solution level of alloying elements and the volume fraction evolution of dispersoids in 3xxx alloys during homogenization.