Microstructure and Hardness of AlMg3 Alloy Subjected to Ultrasonic Upsetting

Abstract

This study was conducted to study the effect ultrasonic vibrations on the evolution of the microstructure and hardness of the AlMg3 aluminum alloy in a solution treated condition. To understand the process physics in this article, after the deformation the microstructures of the samples before and after deformation were analyzed by the light and electron microscopy, including the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The result evidently shows that the ultrasonic-assisted deformation has a meaningful influence on the grain refinement – the application of the USV enhances the formation of deformation bands and new sub-grains. This resulted in a certain hardness enhancement.