The Effects of UIT in the Fatigue Life of Al 2024-T3

Abstract

The Ultrasonic Impact Treatment (UIT) has been used in different materials to reduce residual welding tensile stresses and improve the fatigue life of welded joints, and also to increase the fatigue resistance at low temperatures. The main aim of this research was to explore the effects of UIT in the fatigue life of a 2024-T3 aluminium alloy. Load controlled fatigue tests were carried out at high and low cycle fatigue, and three UIT parameters at a carrier frequency of 36 kHz were evaluated. These parameters were feed rate, amplitude under load and impact frequency. The results revealed an increase in compressive residual stress and microhardness, as well as some evidence of porosity. However, the fatigue life was reduced drastically. The possible causes of this decrease are still under discussion.