Effect of the interface bonding on the mechanical response of aluminium foam reinforced steel tubes

Aluminium foams have been recently proposed as filling reinforcements to improve impact behavior of hollow components used as protection systems in vehicles. In this study, aluminium foam filled stainless steel tubes have been prepared by directly foaming metal powder compacts inside the tubes. Attention was concentrated on the interface phenomena that characterize the core–shell interaction and the process parameters determining the metallurgical reactions between the two alloys. The formation of binary and ternary intermetallic compounds was observed at the aluminium/steel interface whenever the growth of the oxide layer on the foam surface in foaming was constrained. Compression tests of the reinforced tubes confirmed a maximized energy absorption in coincidence with the formation of the interface bonding. In those cases, extended foam intrusions into compressed tube folds were observed. The microstructural investigation revealed that in the transition zone the intermetallic layer strength was comparable to that of the foamed matrix.     

Metallurgical problems associated with the production of aluminium-tin alloys

Of all the plain bearing alloys available, aluminium alloys have a better combination of ideal bearing characteristics than any other single material. Conventional Babbit alloys, especially the lead bronzes are increasingly being replaced by aluminium alloys, particularly in the automobile industry. It has been known, that the addition of elements, like tin or lead, improves the antiscoring and antifrictional properties of aluminium. Aluminium tin alloys have a wide miscibility gap in the molten state and are virtually insoluble in each other during solidification. Further difficulties arise from the large freezing range of the alloys, which together with the wide density difference between the two components greatly increase the tin segregation during alloy preparation. It has, therefore, been difficult to introduce and uniformly disperse tin in aluminium to the desired extent by conventional melting and casting techniques. The present authors have developed a simple foundry technique which has been used successfully to disperse and retain tin at contents up to 20 wt% in aluminium ingots, which is the subject of the present paper.     

Relationship between base metal properties and friction stir welding process parameters

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process for joining aluminum alloys and has been employed in aerospace, rail, automotive and marine industries for joining aluminium, magnesium, zinc and copper alloys. In FSW, the base metal properties such as yield strength, ductility and hardness control the plastic flow of the material under the action of rotating non-consumable tool. The FSW process parameters such as tool rotational speed, welding speed, axial force, etc. play a major role in deciding the weld quality. In this investigation, an attempt has been made to establish relationship between the base material properties and FSW process parameters. FSW joints have been made using five different grades of aluminium alloys (AA1050, AA6061, AA2024, AA7039 and AA7075) using different combinations of process parameters. Macrostructural analysis has been done to check the weld quality (defective or defect free). Empirical relationships have been established between base metal properties and tool rotational speed and welding speed, respectively. The developed empirical relationships can be effectively used to predict the FSW process parameters to fabricate defect free welds.     

Investigation and characterisation of aluminium alloy foams with TiH2 as a foaming agent

This article presents an account of experiments used to produce aluminium alloy foams by the melt route process using titanium hydride as a foaming agent. Powdered titanium hydride with content of 0.4–1.4% (mass fraction) was added to the molten pure aluminium and the foaming condition was controlled at 690°C (1274°F). In the process, homogeneous aluminium foams were produced with a calcium amount of 1.0–3.0% (mass fraction). The mechanical properties of the aluminium foams with diverse relative density were tested. The result indicates that the foaming agent is suitable for making small aperture aluminium foams with an average pore diameter of 1.2?mm.     

Innovative light metals: metal matrix composites and foamed aluminium

Low weight is required especially for those means of transport, in which material properties have to be evaluated with respect to their specific mass. The possibility of increasing the specific properties of recyclable light metals are described: reinforcements by ceramic particulates, by continuous ceramic or carbon fibres, or by the reduction of weight by foaming the metal. Examples of castings, extrusions and forgings of particulate reinforced (<30 vol.%) aluminium alloys are given and their advantages including stiffness and wear resistance are presented. The technique of selective reinforcements by co-extrusion of particulate reinforced alloys together with conventional alloys is described. High volume fractions (>40 vol.%) of reinforcements can be produced by gas pressure infiltration of either particulate or fibre preforms. In the case of aluminium matrix, the specific strength can be increased by a factor of up to 15, and the specific stiffness by a factor of up to 7, whereas for carbon fibre reinforced magnesium the specific strength can be increased even more. The anisotropy of fibre reinforced metal matrix composites is discussed as well as the possibilities to use cross ply preforms. The technique of foaming aluminium alloys yields materials with a specific mass in the range of 0.3–1.0 g/cm³. Such structures with essentially closed pores exhibit higher specific stiffness for beams and membranes than massive metal. The measurement and definition of stiffness and strength values appropriate for aluminium foams are presented by referring to compression tests.     

The Influence of Finite Geometry and Material Properties on Mixed-Mode I/II Fracture of Aluminium

Numerical calculations have been carried out to assess the influence of both finite geometry effects as well as material properties on mixed mode fracture of aluminium. These effects have been studied in close connection to experimental data for two aluminium alloys found in the literature. Interactions between the crack tip and the outer boundary have, for one of these alloys, been quantified in two ways. Firstly, by evaluating a number of non-singular stress on mixed mode fracture have been examined within the framework of a recently suggested effective plastic strain criterion. The other alloy was addressed in order to furnish a limited investigation concerning the sensitivity of this criterion with respect to material properties. The main conclusions arrived at in this paper are: (i) Boundary induced constraints may relocate the transition between different operative fracture modes and hence be responsible for scatter of experimental achieved under different testing conditions. (ii) The two alloys under consideration were predicted to behave very differently due to variations in the flow behaviour. Different behaviour was also confirmed by the experimental results. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Improving sliding and abrasive wear behaviour of cast A356 and wrought AA7075 aluminium alloys by plasma electrolytic oxidation

An important limitation of aluminium alloys for mechanical applications is their poor tribological behaviour. In this study, surface treatment by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has been applied to two widely used aluminium alloys: A359 (hypoeutectic Al–Si–Mg) cast alloy and AA7075 (Al–Zn–Mg–Cu) wrought alloy, in order to improve their wear resistance, under sliding and abrasive wear conditions. The main aim of this work was the comparison of the properties and wear resistance of the oxide layers grown under the same PEO treatment conditions on two different aluminium alloys which might be coupled in engineered components. Significant differences in the phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties measured by microindentation were observed in the oxide layers grown on the two substrates, and were ascribed to the effects of the different compositions and microstructures of the substrate alloys. Abrasion tests were carried out in a micro-scale abrasion (ball-cratering) test, with both alumina and silicon carbide abrasive particles. The results demonstrated the influence of the abrasive material on wear behaviour: whereas relatively aggressive SiC particles gave comparable results for both PEO treated and untreated samples, with the less aggressive Al₂O₃ abrasive the wear rates of the PEO treated samples, for both substrates, were significantly lower than those of the untreated substrates. In unlubricated sliding the PEO treatment significantly increase the wear resistance of both the aluminium alloys, at low applied load. In this condition the wear behaviour of the PEO treated alloys is strongly influenced by the stability of a protective Fe–O transfer layer, generated by wear damage of the steel counterpart. Under high applied loads however, the transfer layer is not stable and the hardness of the PEO layer, as well as the load bearing capacity of the substrate, become the main factors in influencing wear resistance.     

Microstructure of high-strength foam concrete

Foam concretes are divided into two groups: on the one hand the physically foamed concrete is mixed in fast rotating pug mill mixers by using foaming agents. This concrete cures under atmospheric conditions. On the other hand the autoclaved aerated concrete is chemically foamed by adding aluminium powder. Afterwards it is cured in a saturated steam atmosphere.New alternatives for the application of foam concretes arise from the combination of chemical foaming and air curing in manufacturing processes. These foam concretes are new and innovative building materials with interesting properties: low mass density and high strength. Responsible for these properties are the macro-, meso- and microporosity. Macropores are created by adding aluminium powder in different volumes and with different particle size distributions. However, the microstructure of the cement matrix is affected by meso- and micropores. In addition, the matrix of the hardened cement paste can be optimized by the specific use of chemical additives for concrete.The influence of aluminium powder and chemical additives on the properties of the microstructure of the hardened cement matrices were investigated by using petrographic microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy.     

新型铝锂合金的微观组织及其在局部腐蚀中的作用

新型铝锂合金由于其低密度、高比强度、高比刚度、高弹性模量、高损伤容限等优良性能日益广泛地应用于航空航天领域。然而,由于特殊的微观组织以及锂元素极高的化学活性,新型铝锂合金容易发生局部腐蚀,严重影响合金构件的使用寿命和安全可靠性。对新型铝锂合金的微观组织及其在合金腐蚀过程中的作用研究进展进行了综述,以期为新型铝锂合金的研究与应用提供一定参考。     

Aspects of the reproducibility of mechanical properties in Al based foams

Al foams have been manufactured via a PM route and compression tested. Testing has shown that density-properties relationships can be constructed which are then valid for the prediction of mechanical response for a sample of given density. The scatter in the density can also be used to predict, with reasonable confidence, the scatter in properties. Testing has shown that little or no difference in processing time can give rise to foams with significantly different densities and hence an undesirable, but nevertheless quantifiable and predictable, scatter in mechanical properties. This demonstrates the sensitivity of the very rapid foaming process and highlights the requirement for improving foam stability. The mechanical response of foams with similar densities is, however, reproducible suggesting that this is a more suitable way in which to control the process rather than by fixing the foaming time.     

Spray‐Deposited Al‐Si (Osprey CE) Alloys and their Properties

Osprey Metals Ltd. has developed a new family of lightweight, low expansion aluminium‐silicon alloys to suit electronic applications, containing between 30 and 70 wt.% aluminium. They are produced using the Osprey spray deposition process, which achieves homogeneous and isotropic properties. Their advantageous physical characteristics, combining low thermal expansion, high thermal conductivity and low density are particularly suited for packaging electronic circuitry. These CE (controlled expansion) alloys are easy to machine to tight tolerances using standard machine tools and they can be electroplated with gold, silver or nickel finishes without difficulty. This paper focuses on the measurement of mechanical (flexural strength) and thermo‐mechanical properties (CTE, thermal diffusivity and specific heat) of these alloys, carried out in collaboration with AMTT. The property measurements were consistent with those measured previously elsewhere, apart from the CTE values, which deviated significantly and were at variance with values predicted from a rule of mixtures. This discrepancy was resolved in a short follow‐up series of measurements carried out under conditions corresponding more closely to temperature equilibrium.     

Microstructure and tensile properties of squeeze cast Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

Abstract

It is well known that wrought aluminium alloys have tensile properties superior to those of the cast products. Wrought grade alloys cannot usually be produced by conventional casting processes to attain the same level of tensile properties. However, progress in casting methods in recent years has made it possible to produce wrought alloys by means of squeeze casting techniques. In the present study an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy has been produced by squeeze casting. Tensile properties close to those of wrought products have been achieved by controlling the microstructure, pressure, and other processing parameters.     

Surface tension of binary and ternary aluminium alloys of the systems Al-Si-Mg and Al-Zn-Mg

The surface tension and density of liquid binary and ternary aluminium alloys of the systems Al-Si-Mg and Al-Zn-Mg (Si, Mg and Zn contents less than 19, 8 and 20 wt %, respectively) have been measured by means of the maximum bubble pressure method. A semi-empirical theory, which relates the surface tension to bulk thermodynamic properties, is used to calculate the surface tension of the binary alloys and discuss the experimental data. For the ternary alloys, the present results indicate that in the range of compositions explored here, the properties of the ternaries can be obtained from those of the binaries. Comparison with results previously reported by other authors is made.     

Influence of foaming process on the structure–properties relationship of foamed LDPE/silica nanocomposites

In this paper LDPE/silica nanocomposites are foamed by two different processes. First one is the pressure quench method which is based on the use of a physical blowing agent and second one is the improved compression moulding technique. As the latter process uses a chemical blowing agent, both types of foamed nanocomposites will provide very useful information about the relationship between foaming process-microstructure and macroscopic properties. Results have revealed how silica nanoparticles are able to act as nucleating sites during foaming step in both processes; however, the optimum amount of particles strongly depends on the foaming route. Thermal and mechanical properties of solid and foamed nanocomposites have been analyzed by means of thermogravimetric analysis and compression tests. Results have revealed that nanosilica particles act as effective nucleating agents, not only reducing cell size and increasing cell density but also achieving more homogeneous cellular structures. Thermal and mechanical properties are improved due to the presence of silica nanoparticles. It has been found that the improvement degree reached for samples produced using chemical blowing agents is greater than that achieved for samples produced using physical blowing agents.     

Process Stability in Serial Production of Aluminium Foam Panels and 3D Parts

Powder Metallurgy (PM) technology is emerging as one of the most promising techniques for the manufacture of net shape components and panels of aluminium foam. Control of the stability of the aluminium foaming process is one of the key issues in a serial production. Since there are many different parameters to be controlled in the raw material, the precursor and the finished foam part, the best solution is to keep all these factors in one centre of competence to exclude external influences and transporting problems. The latest material for the foaming tools plays also a decisive role concerning a high surface quality and a constant heat generation within the foam. New developments such as a precursor testing equipment or a foaming optimized furnace construction guarantees constant production conditions to be equipped for a more and more demanding market.     

Establishing relationships between mechanical properties of aluminium alloys and optimised friction stir welding process parameters

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process for joining aluminium alloys and is employed in aerospace, rail, automotive and marine industries. In FSW, the base metal properties such as yield strength, hardness and ductility control the plastic flow of the material under the action of a rotating non-consumable tool. The FSW process parameters such as, the tool rotational speed, the welding speed and the axial force play a major role in deciding the weld quality. In this investigation, FSW joints were made using six different grades of aluminium alloys (AA1100, AA2219, AA2024, AA6061, AA7039, and AA7075) using different levels of process parameters. Macrostructural analysis was carried out to identify the feasible working range of process parameters. The optimal welding conditions to attain maximum strength for each alloy were identified using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Empirical relationships were established between the base metal mechanical properties of aluminium alloys and optimised FSW process parameters. These relationships can be effectively used to predict the optimised FSW process parameters from the known base metal properties (yield strength, elongation and hardness).     

Al-Zn coatings for the corrosion protection of steel

Aluminum coatings have been reported to be the most suitable for replacing toxic cadmium for the protection of steel and titanium alloys against corrosion. The relatively poor galvanic corrosion protection of aluminium coatings, however, has led to a search for a more effective coating. To this end, pure aluminium and controlled-composition Al-Zn alloy coatings were ion plated onto steel substrates. Over a range of coating conditions the aluminium and the Al-Zn alloy coatings have very similar columnar structures. They were equally successful in protecting the underlying steel. However, a simulation of the coating damage by masking the steel substrate during plating showed the galvanic corrosion protection of Al-2.5%Zn alloy coatings to be superior to that of aluminium. It is probable that this very effective sacrificial corrosion protection means that the structure of the coating is relatively unimportant and that excellent galvanic corrosion protection can be provided by low density columnar structure coatings of Al-Zn alloys.     

Quench factor analysis of aluminium alloys

Abstract

A model was developed almost 20 years ago which described how precipitation during the quench affected the development of properties of aluminium alloys during subsequent aging treatment. This model was the basis for an analytical process, known as quench factor analysis, that was used to predict the effects of quench path on corrosion characteristics and strength. The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical basis for the model and to review how quench factor analysis has been used in solving industrial problems. Several investigators have confirmed that quench factor analysis is an effective predictive method for all quenching conditions save one. The exception is when material has been quenched below the knee of the C-curve and subsequently reheated above the knee before the quench is complete. Applications include the design of quench systems, the development of quench practices which optimize combinations of high strength and low residual stress and distortion, and predictions of the magnitude of loss in strength as a result of unsuitable quenching conditions. By combining quench factor analysis with homogeneous nucleation theory, interactions between quenching and aging conditions have been clarified, and aging treatments have been developed which minimize the low and variable strengths caused by less than ideal quenching conditions. Quench factor analysis also adequately describes the rate of loss in toughness of an AA 6000 series extrusion alloy for those cooling conditions which produced commercially significant loss in strength. The latest use of quench factor analysis is in a specification for quenchants for aluminium alloys.

MST/573     

Environmentally assisted cracking of aluminium alloys

A short review of the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour of aluminium alloys is given. Mechanisms of environmentally assisted cracking are outlined. For aluminium alloys, in which stress corrosion cracks propagate predominantly along grain boundaries, anodic dissolution and hydrogen embrittlement have been proposed. Transgranular stress corrosion cracking occurring at severe loading conditions has found particular interest concerning localised corrosion‐deformation interactions. Accelerated test methods for assessing the SCC behaviour are described, including the slow strain rate testing technique and the breaking load method. Results of recent studies on environmentally assisted cracking of aluminium alloys are summarised. Most of the work published in the last two decades has been on aluminium‐lithium based alloys and improved high strength Al‐Zn‐Mg‐Cu alloys in corrosion resistant retrogressed and re‐aged tempers.     

Das Verhalten von Aluminium-Werkstoffen in der Hausinstallation

The corrosion behaviour of aluminium alloys . The corrosion behaviour of the aluminium alloys AlMgMn, AlMgSi 0,8 and AlZn 1 was investigated at two temperatures in two natural waters with different contents with and without oxygen. These measurements were performed as well separated as in contact with copper, brass, iron and zinc; the electrode potentials and the galvanic currents were measured and registrated. The results of the metallographic investigations concerning pitting corrosion of the aluminium samples and of the measurements under potentiostatic conditions were summarized in especial corrosion diagrams. Out of these the corrosion risks of the aluminium materials can be seen. The investigated aluminium alloys – except AlZn 1 – showed unpolarized a good corrosion resistance. The best of them was AlMgMn. In contact with iron and copper containing alloys aluminium were polarized in anodic direction depending of the different metals and of oxygen content of the water. The limit of the pitting corrosion has been exceeded at times. In the cold waters zinc polarized the aluminium alloys cathodic. References were given for applications of aluminium building parts in the home installation and it was informed about experiences which corresponds with these results.