Optimizing Aging Time to Maximize Hardness and Fatigue Strength of Al-4wt%Cu Alloy

Abstract

This research investigates the Al-4wt%Cu alloy, renowned for its significant mechanical properties, using both numerical simulations and experimental methods. The study focuses on the heat treatment process of the alloy, involving an extended duration ranging from 8 to 30 hours at a temperature of 500℃, followed by a reduction to 195℃ to alleviate residual stresses. Key to this process is the utilization of Brunel hardness equipment and a fatigue testing apparatus employing a bending load. The investigation extends to a mathematical simulation, elucidating the process of copper separation via deposition in aluminum and the subsequent phase transformation, which results in optimal mechanical properties. Further, the fatigue testing procedure for the alloy is simulated using the Auto Desk Inventor program. Results from the experimental phase indicate that a 12-hour treatment duration yields superior mechanical properties, with a recorded hardness of 260 Brunel and a strength of 200 MPa. In parallel, the numerical simulation results, exhibiting a strength of 195.7 MPa, demonstrate a notable convergence with the experimental findings, factoring in a correction factor of 0.96. This study not only underscores the efficacy of the optimized aging process in enhancing the alloy's mechanical attributes but also bridges the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental outcomes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the alloy's behavior under varied treatment conditions.