AA7050 Al Alloy Hot-Forging Process for Improved Fracture Toughness Properties

Abstract

The conventional heat-treatment standard for the industrial post hot-forging cycle of AA7050 is regulated by the AMS4333 and AMS2770N standards. An innovative method that aimed to improve toughness behavior in Al alloys has been developed and reported. The unconventional method introduces an intermediate warm working step between the solution treating and the final ageing treatment for the high resistance aluminum alloy AA7050. The results showed several benefits starting from the grain refinement to a more stable fracture toughness KIC behavior (with an appreciable higher value) without tensile property loss. A microstructural and precipitation state characterization provided elements for the initial understanding of these improvements in the macro-properties.

Alloys for Aeronautic Applications: State of the Art and Perspectives

“…Components with complex geometrical shapes, made of Al alloys, are usually obtained by closed-die forging of a billet, and are manufactured to obtain a good combination of strength, fatigue resistance and toughness. Some forging experiments have been performed on the 7050 alloy in agreement with AMS4333 requirements, and an alternative process [14], involving an intermediate warm deformation step at 200 • C between the quenching and ageing steps, showed the possibility to improve fracture toughness without effects on YS and UTS. Results showed a more homogeneous and finer grain structure, after warm deformation, which can explain the increase in fracture toughness.…”

Processing–Structure–Property Relationships in Metals

“…The book gathers manuscripts from academic and industrial researchers with stimulating new ideas and original results. It consists of one review paper regarding state of art and perspectives of alloys for aeronautic applications [1] and fifteen research papers [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] focused on different materials and processes.…”

“…An innovative post hot-forging process for 7050 aluminium alloys is proposed by Angella et al [11]. Unlike AMS4333 and AMS2770N standards requiring cold working after solution heat treatment and prior to aging, the new method adopts an intermediate warm deformation step, which allows improving the fracture's toughness behaviour without significantly affecting tensile properties.…”

Simulation and Experiment of Manufacturing Process for Structural Aluminum Parts with Hard to Plastic Forming

“…In terms of economic feasibility, material not only should have a low process cost but also its production should be faster. Therefore, with plastic working of aluminum alloy having a relatively low density and excellent formability, complex structural parts for transport equipment can be manufactured [1][2][3].…”

“…aluminum alloy having a relatively low density and excellent formability, complex structural parts for transport equipment can be manufactured [1][2][3].…”