Effects of different process parameters on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of 2060 Al–Li alloy during vacuum centrifugal casting

Abstract

In a vacuum environment, large and near-net-shaped 2060 Al–Li alloy tubes were fabricated by centrifugal casting for the first time, and a heat-flow simulation model was established to study process parameters and the solidification behavior. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy were investigated. It was found that in the forming range, the texture was gradually dominated by fine and homogeneous equiaxed grains (average grain size = ∼64 μm) with the decrease in pouring temperature, and segregation decreased because solute particles moved in orientation for less time under the physical field. The tensile strength of the T8 state reached 541 MPa under the process parameters of pouring temperature = 680 °C and rotational speed = 900 r/min. With the increase in rotational speed, the filling capacity was improved and shrinkage defects were reduced; thus, the alloy exhibited excellent strength. The tensile strength of the T8 state reached 516 MPa under the process parameters of pouring temperature = 760 °C and rotational speed = 1000 r/min.