Effect of coarse second-phase particles on mechanical properties of large-scale 2219 Al alloy rings

Abstract

Large-scale 2219 Al alloy rings are widely used as important parts on launch vehicles and thus have high requirements for the mechanical properties of rings in different direction, which are associated with coarse second-phase particles. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive and systematic quantitative analysis of the effect degree of the coarse second-phase particles characteristics on the mechanical properties of 2219 Al alloy rings in different direction, so as to guide the design and optimization of the global process based on the relationship between each process and the coarse second-phase particles. Firstly, according to the features of the coarse second-phase particles characteristics in the experimental results, a reliable research scheme with the particles size, percentage and distribution as the study variable was designed. Then, based on the experimental characterization results, a representation volume element modeling method incorporating coarse second-phase particles characteristics was developed. The representation volume element finite element models for different research schemes were established in the ABAQUS/EXPLICIT platform respectively. Next, the comparison of experimental and numerical simulation results verifies that the finite element model with coarse second-phase particles developed in this paper can accurately predict ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the tested specimen. Finally, based on the numerical simulation results of the different research schemes, the effects of different sizes, percentages and distributions of coarse second-phase particles on the mechanical properties of the ring are analyzed to determine the extent to which the mechanical properties can be improved with different coarse second-phase particles characteristics. By exploring the relationship between the manufacture process, coarse second-phase particles characteristics and mechanical properties, the design and optimization of the manufacture process for different mechanical properties requirements are guided. This study is valuable in achieving comprehensive regulation of the mechanical properties of large-scale 2219 Al alloy rings.