THE EFFECT OF THERMOMECHANICAL AGEING ON ALUMINIUM - COPPER ALLOY

Abstract

The influence of thermomechanical ageing on the mechanical properties of Al-Cu alloy has been investigated. The alloy contains 4.23% of Cu, and was produced by casting process. The casting was warm worked between 200-300OC at various percent deformation range of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% respectively. The results showed that the mechanical properties in terms of hardness, tensile and toughness were improved with increasing percentage of deformation at a higher temperatures and ageing treatment of 165 oC. This was due to the progressive close-up of the voids emanating from casting sample by increasing deformation which is evident from the micrographs. It was concluded that thermo mechanical ageing is beneficial to the mechanical properties of Al-Cu alloy.