Effect of Technical Quality of Thermomechanical Die Forging of AA2099 Alloy

Abstract

Abstract The paper presents the results of investigations of a multicomponent third-generation aluminium alloy, classified as AA2099. The actual forging conditions were determined basing on the assessment of the quality of side surface of specimens subjected to compression in Gleeble 3800 simulator and on flow curves of the alloy, as well as numerical modelling of forging process performed with application of QForm 3D v.7 software. Compression tests were realized at temperatures 400-500 °C, with a strain rate of 0.001-100 s-1, up to a specified constant true strain value of 0.9. Microstructure examination in as-delivered state was performed with application of Leica DM 4000M optical microscope. The obtained results of isothermal deformation of specimens were correlated with the analysis of a characteristic layered pancake-type microstructure. The simulation of die forging of a complex-shape forging (high-current contact tip used in power engineering) at the temperature 500 °C, was performed. The shape of a forging makes it possible to fully analyse the influence of thermomechanical process conditions on technical quality of a product. The simulation of forging process showed full correctness of material flow, with no signs of instability. At the same time, the analysis of investigations allowed to prepare and realize the industrial forging trials for a forging of a very complex shape, in a single step, at the temperature 500 °C, with application of thermomechanical treatment. The forging attained high quality of shape and surface. Directional specimens were taken, in order to be subjected to microstructure examination and hardness testing. The data obtained from industrial tests, combined with the results of testing using Gleeble simulator as well as from numerical modelling, make up the guidelines for mechanical processing of AA2099 alloy at the temperatures 470-500 °C.