Papers by Keyword: AA7xxx

Abstract: The heterogeneity of recrystallized subgrains is a substantial parameter which ought to be consider when controlling recrystallization fraction within a microstructure is needed. The statistical descriptor pair-correlation function is employed as stereological reference for reconstructing the nucleation sites spatial distribution within given volumes based on 2D data. The aim of the current study is to implement the 3D reconstructed particles distribution into a Monte Carlo approach to explore the evolution of microstructure in 7xxx Al alloy during homogenization process. Once the stored energy around the coarse particles is consumed recrystallizing grains the recrystallization is fulfilled. The simulated grain structures are qualitatively evolved in manner of the recrystallization of experimental data, and this verify that recrystallization process is mainly controlled by PSN mechanism.

Abstract: High strength AA7xxx alloys have been extensively used in aerospace industry. However, experience in cast house demonstrates that such alloys are particularly prone to cold cracking and ingot distortion during direct chill (DC) casting, which leads to big amount of scraping or even total rejection of ingot. Those stress induced defects are greatly affected by casting process, and fine tuning of casting parameters is critical to improve the quality and productivity. Recently, numerical modeling has been widely utilized in direct-chill casting for the purpose of thermal mechanical analysis and cracking evaluation. Parameter optimization has become convenient. The model needs the input of constitutive properties of the AA7xxx alloys, of which the microstructure should resemble those formed during DC casting. Unfortunately, these constitutive data are not yet available in literatures. In this study, the mechanical properties of two high strength AA7xxx alloys were measured at temperature range from solidus down to room temperature through on-cooling compressive tests and the effect of strain rate on stress-strain behavior was also studied. The results were fitted to extended Ludwik equation which has been proved to be able to properly describe the stress-strain response of aluminum alloys. The results of the current work shed some light on the evolution of mechanical behavior of high strength AA7xxx alloys during cooling from high temperature.

Abstract: Fusion welding of 7xxx aluminium alloy plates has been investigated for aerospace applications using autogenous laser welding and hybrid laser-MIG welding. Nd:YAG and Yb-fibre lasers have been used, with two different focussed spot sizes in each case. Autogenous and hybrid welding of 12.7mm thick plate using the Yb-fibre laser with a 0.6mm diameter spot was selected for further development, on the basis of penetration and weld quality achieved. These welds were acceptable to the highest quality class B (stringent) of BS EN ISO 13919-2:2001, with a porosity of only 0.3% of the cross-sectional area of the weld, and close to class A of AWS D17.1. Transverse proof strengths of ~60% of parent material were achieved. Development of hybrid welding is ongoing with novel fillers to refine weld metal grain structure and improve weld properties.

Abstract: We discuss data from a range of heat-treatable aluminum alloys, showing both yield strength and fracture toughness vs time at temperature of interrupted quench. Drop in toughness occurs at much shorter hold time than drop in strength. Concurrently the fracture becomes more intergranular. When later the yield strength falls, fracture becomes more transgranular, and toughness may rise. We attribute this pattern to two mechanisms: 1) Early quench precipitates nucleated on grain and/or subgrain boundaries grow to size sufficient to initiate fracture under tension, long before they withdraw significant solute from subsequent age-hardening. 2) Later quench precipitates nucleated on dispersoids and/or dislocations withdraw solute relatively uniformly, reducing matrix yield strength while increasing matrix ductility. We propose that quantitative modeling of change in strength and toughness with change in quench, requires multiple C-curves for multiple types of quench precipitates, and nonlinear relation of toughness to amount of boundary quench precipitate.

Abstract: RRA treatment was applied to a high-Zn, 7XXX alloy under development for aerospace applications. Microstructure of the alloy is studied at different stages of the 3-step ageing process, by Transmission Electron Microscopy, in order to understand the corresponding evolution of mechanical and corrosion properties. The Compression Yield Strength at the end of the high temperature step was found higher than at the end of the 1st step, contrary to the conventional RRA treatment. After re-ageing, the final CYS turned out significantly higher than at the T6 temper of the alloy, while the material remained sensitive to exfoliation corrosion.

Abstract: A systematic study of the precipitation processes in high strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys has been conducted. A series of experimental alloys was prepared with varying Zn:Mg ratio, but equivalent total solute content, to be representative of those used in applications which demand a combination of strength, fracture toughness and resistance to environmentally sensitive cracking mechanisms. Artificial ageing curves were constructed for each alloy, based upon 7xxx series duplex treatments widely used in industry. Ageing kinetics were investigated beyond peak strength into the overaged condition, since this is known to promote the most favourable balance of properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission election microscopy (TEM) observations were made on the alloys throughout the ageing process to fully understand the precipitation events occuring. For a particular overageing treatment, higher Zn:Mg ratio alloys were consistently found to be at a more advanced stage of precipitation while higher strengths were retained at low Zn:Mg ratios. Grain boundary characteristics, such as particle size and precipitate free zone width, were also influenced by Zn:Mg ratio at a given strength level. This paper provides new understanding of precipitation kinetics and the control of important microstructural features which influence the balance of properties in 7xxx series aluminium alloys.

Abstract: A kinetic model has been developed to simulate the precipitate size distribution and the resulting yield strength during ageing of 7xxx alloys. The η phase is the only one considered. The kinetic model is mean field: precipitates of different sizes see each other through the average solid solution. Precipitates are assumed to be homogeneous in concentration and are allowed to change chemistry. Local equilibrium is assumed at the matrix-precipitate interface; the equilibrium concentrations are corrected by the curvature effect. Values of the equilibrium concentrations at the matrix-precipitate interface are solved by an iterative method: the resulting flux for each element must be compatible with equilibrium conditions and with the changing stoechiometry of the considered precipitate while maximizing the energy gained. The yield strength is derived from the precipitate size distribution through a mixture law combining the effect of each individual precipitate. The model can take into account non-isothermal treatments and can therefore simulate complicated multi-stage ageing treatment as well as a FSW weld. Results of the model are discussed and compared measurements.

Abstract: It is generally considered that exfoliation corrosion is due to the build-up of corrosion products that create a wedging stress that lifts up the surface grains. However, the exfoliation mechanism is still under discussion: possible operating mechanisms include intergranular corrosion of in plane grain boundaries accelerated by the wedging effect, or crack propagation by a “purely” stress corrosion mechanism. The sensitivity to exfoliation corrosion of AA7449 in relation to the intergranular and stress corrosion cracking sensitivity has been addressed in a program of controlled quenches followed by thermal treatments. Our observations demonstrate that the quench rate has a strong effect on intergranular corrosion and exfoliation corrosion sensitivity and in a lesser extent on stress corrosion cracking. In the first moments of the EXCO test, the initiation of corrosion follows the same trends as those revealed by the ASTM G110 test. We observe intergranular initiation for the slow quench rate (~5°C/s) and pitting initiation for samples quenched between 50 to 500°C/s. On the contrary, the final EXCO corrosion quotations do not seem to correlate with the intergranular resistance but rather with SCC resistance.