Effect of Radial Shear Rolling on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of a New-Generation High-Strength Aluminum Alloy Based on the Al – Zn – Mg – Ni – Fe System

Abstract

A high-strength aluminum alloy based on the Al – Zn – Mg – Ni – Fe system is studied in deformed condition after radial shear rolling with reduction 2.78 and 8.16. The microstructure and the hardness are shown to change in the process of the thermal deformation involving quenching and aging by modes T and T1. The bars deformed with reduction 8.16 have a dense gradient structure containing a surface layer with a thickness of bout 300 μm, in which the size of the fine dispersed equiaxed grains ranges within 15 – 25 μm. The high accumulated strain combined with the precipitation hardening of the alloy in state T1 is shown to provide competitive mechanical properties, i.e., an ultimate strength of 605 MPa, a yield strength of 551 MPa, and an elongation of 5.5%.