Correlation of mechanical properties with non-destructive evaluation measurements in AlLi alloys

Abstract

Abstract Selected mechanical, electrical and other physical properties were measured for both an Al-2.2wt.%Li binary alloy and aluminum alloy Al 2090, a commercial alloy, to determine the feasibility of a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of the mechanical properties of AlLi alloys. A series of thermal aging processes was performed to produce a broad range of precipitate states and morphologies which strongly affect the mechanical properties of these alloys. Correlations between mechanical properties, obtained in uniaxial tension, and quantities measured by using NDE techniques are reported. The mechanical properties included yield stress and ultimate tensile strength. The NDE measurements included the Vickers hardness, electrical conductivity, eddy current response, and acoustic velocity and attenuation. The observed relationships between the mechanical property values and the NDE data are discussed. The detection of the T 1 phase by the combined use of eddy current (or d.c. conductivity) and hardness measurements is of particular interest.