Aluminum Alloys: Mechanical Properties and Processing Techniques

This lecture covers the mechanical properties and processing techniques of aluminum alloys, particularly focusing on Al-Mg and Al-Si systems. The instructor discusses how the mechanical properties of Al-Mg alloys can evolve through ambient temperature restoration and the importance of thermal stabilization treatments at temperatures between 120-175°C. The lecture also highlights the effects of cold reduction on yield and tensile strength, as well as the significance of solid solution strengthening and work hardening. The instructor explains the mechanisms of grain deformation and the resulting textures that affect the mechanical behavior of these alloys. Additionally, the lecture addresses the casting process of aluminum, including the formation of shrinkage voids and the use of risers to mitigate solidification defects. The discussion extends to the Al-Si system, emphasizing its casting properties and the phase diagrams that illustrate the relationship between composition and temperature. Overall, the lecture provides a comprehensive overview of the properties and processing of aluminum alloys, essential for materials science and engineering.