Homogenization on microstructure and mechanical properties of 2A50 aluminum alloy prepared by liquid forging

Abstract

The homogenization on microstructure and mechanical properties of 2A50 aluminum alloy prepared by liquid forging was investigated. Wheel hubs were produced using direct and compound loading. The results show that the microstructure and mechanical properties are inhomogeneous in direct forged samples. The microstructure of the wall is coarser than that of the base, and the mechanical properties are lower and some defects are detected at the wheel corner. Using compound loading, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the wall are improved evidently. With increasing feeding amount, the microstructure and mechanical properties become more homogeneous. The defects disappear when the feeding amount is 4 mm. The forged wheel hubs could obtain fine and homogeneous microstructure with grain size of 20-30 μm, tensile strength of 355 MPa and elongation of 10% when the feeding amount is 10 mm. The microstructure and mechanical properties of liquid forged workpieces could be controlled and homogenized using compound loading.