Precipitation Modeling and Validation of Al–5%Cu–0.4%Mn Alloy Using Quench Factor Analysis

Abstract

Quench factor analysis has been widely used to describe how precipitation in quenching affects the development of properties of aluminum alloys in subsequent aging treatment. To minimize the amount of effort and time, Jominy end quench was used to conduct quench factor analysis. The author applied Jominy end quench test to Al–5%Cu–0.4%Mn alloy, followed by different artificial aging time, and Rockwell hardness was measured along the length of the samples. Quench factor analysis was conducted with measured data. Critical time at different temperatures of Al–5%Cu–0.4%Mn was calculated with the kinetic parameters and 400 °C was demonstrated to be the sensitive temperature. In addition, the effect of quenching rate on aging was studied and the strengthening effects of precipitation during quenching and aging were compared. The results revealed that with decreasing quenching rate, the peak aging time and the hardness of as-quenched increased, whereas the peak hardness decreased.