Recent advances in ageing of 7xxx series aluminum alloys: A physical metallurgy perspective

Investigation on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys with various Zn/Mg ratios

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a promising approach to producing large-scale metal structures. The investigation on the WAAM of aluminum alloys has lasted for over 17 years and covered multiple alloy systems. However, fundamental research on the WAAM of quaternary Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys is still lacking. This study focuses on understanding the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of an ultra-high-strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy fabricated by WAAM. A single-pass multilayer component is successfully fabricated. Results indicate that a single deposition layer consists of two types of columnar grains with different textures and origins. Nanoscale second phases are observed to precipitate during the manufacturing process with location-dependent sizes and volume fractions due to different thermal histories. The microhardness of the cross-section exhibits a special un-uniform distribution between 75–164 HV0.2 from the substrate to the top of the component. The WAAM deposited component shows higher overall tensile properties than the as-fabricated spray formed counterpart. The average yield strength and ultimate strength are higher in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, while the difference in elongation is small.

Wire arc additive manufacturing of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy: Microstructures and mechanical properties

7XXX series aluminum alloys (Al 7XXX alloys) are widely used in bearing components, such as aircraft frame, spars and stringers, for their high specific strength, high specific stiffness, high toughness, excellent processing, and welding performance. Therefore, Al 7XXX alloys are the most important structural materials in aviation. In this present review, the development tendency and the main applications of Al 7XXX alloys for aircraft structures are introduced, and the existing problems are simply discussed. Also, the heat treatment processes for improving the properties are compared and analyzed. It is the most important measures that optimizing alloy composition and improving heat treatment process are to enhance the comprehensive properties of Al 7XXX alloys. Among the method, solid solution, quenching, and aging of Al 7XXX alloys are the most significant. We introduce the effects of the three methods on the properties, and forecast the development direction of the properties, compositions, and heat treatments and the solution to the corrosion prediction problem for the next generation of Al 7XXX alloys for aircraft structures. The next generation of Al 7XXX alloys should be higher strength, higher toughness, higher damage tolerance, higher hardenability, and better corrosion resistance. It is urgent requirements to develop or invent new heat treatment regime. We should construct a novel corrosion prediction model for Al 7XXX alloys via confirming the surface corrosion environments and selecting the accurate and reliable electrochemical measurements.

The Advancement of 7XXX Series Aluminum Alloys for Aircraft Structures: A Review

Effect of retrogression treatments on microstructure, hardness and corrosion behaviors of aluminum alloy 7085

The effects of aging treatments on mechanical property and corrosion behavior of spray formed 7055 aluminium alloy

Characterization of hot extrusion and heat treatment on mechanical properties in a spray formed ultra-high strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy

Non-isothermal aging: A heat treatment method that simultaneously improves the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of ultra-high strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy

Microstructure evolution and physical-based diffusion constitutive analysis of Al-Mg-Si alloy during hot deformation

Localized corrosion behavior associated with Al7Cu2Fe intermetallic in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy

Xiangdong Wang

Papers

The effects of aging treatments on mechanical property and corrosion behavior of spray formed 7055 aluminium alloy

Characterization of hot extrusion and heat treatment on mechanical properties in a spray formed ultra-high strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy

Non-isothermal aging: A heat treatment method that simultaneously improves the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of ultra-high strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy

Microstructure evolution and physical-based diffusion constitutive analysis of Al-Mg-Si alloy during hot deformation

Localized corrosion behavior associated with Al7Cu2Fe intermetallic in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy