A Fragmentation Criterion for the Interface of a Hydrostatic Extruded Al-Mg-Compound

Abstract

Due to the higher demand for energy efficient products, light-weight constructions have become more important in recent years. An innovative, hydrostatic extruded Al-Mg-compound used here combines the corrosion resistance of aluminium with the outstanding lightweight properties of magnesium. During the production process, a thin boundary layer is built between the two basic materials. Investigations on further hot forming processing revealed a good formability of these compounds despite the fact that the boundary layer splits into fragments during forging and a new secondary boundary layer is built when the basic materials between the fragments come into contact again during the continuous deformation. The aim of the research is now to investigate fragmentation depending on the deformation rate and boundary layer thickness, which increases during the heat-up process in preparation of forging. For this purpose, a channel compression test is used in conjunction with a special newly developed specimen shape. The metallographic evaluation of the boundary layer reveals a strong dependency of fragmentation on the deformation rate and the boundary layer thickness. With the aid of a numerical simulation, an individual critical stretch could be determined at which fragmentation starts, and provide guidance for an optimal forging process design.

Light-Weight Aluminum-Based Alloys—From Fundamental Science to Engineering Applications

“…Intermetallic phases are likely to form when different alloys are joined at elevated temperatures to produce a macroscopic component, and the growth and fragmentation of such phases play an important role during forming of the aluminum/magnesium compounds studied in our Research Center. Kirbach et al [13] investigate the properties of the corresponding boundary layers from a fracture mechanics perspective. When dealing with UFG microstructures, thermal stability becomes an important factor, and high temperatures often cannot be used for joining processes.…”