Effect of Strain Rate and Temperature on Tensile and Fracture Performance of AA2050-T84 Alloy

Abstract

AA2050-T84 alloy is widely used in primary structures of modern transport aircraft. AA2050-T84 is established as a low-density aluminum alloy with improved Young’s modulus, less anisotropy, and temperature-dependent mechanical properties. During flights, loading rate and temperature variation in aircraft engine subsequent parts are commonly observed. The present work focuses on the effect of loading rate and temperature on tensile and fracture properties of the 50 mm thick (2-inch) AA2050-T84 alloy plate. Quasi-static strain rates of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 s−1 at −20 °C, 24 °C and 200 °C are considered. Tensile test results revealed the sensitivity of mechanical properties towards strain rate variations for considered temperatures. The key tensile properties, yield, and ultimate tensile stresses were positive strain rate dependent. However, Young’s modulus and elongation showed negative strain rate dependency. Experimental fracture toughness tests exhibited the lower Plane Strain Fracture Toughness (KIC) at −20 °C compared to 24 °C. Elastic numerical fracture analysis revealed that the crack driving and constraint parameters are positive strain rate dependent and maximum at −20 °C, if plotted and analyzed over the stress ratio. The current results concerning strain rates and temperatures will help in understanding the performance-related issues of AA2050-T84 alloy reported in aircraft applications.

A first step towards understanding thermomechanical behavior of the Nb-Cr system through interatomic potential development and molecular dynamics simulations

“…In exploring strain rate dependence (see Fig. 1 in the Supplementary Information), we found that ultimate tensile strength increased with strain rate, which is consistent with multiple sources in the literature 43 – 47 . Stress-strain curves for C14 and C15 NbCr may be found in Fig.…”