The Structure and Properties of Wrought Aluminium Alloys Series 6xxx with Vanadium for Automotive Industry”

Abstract

The increasing number of vehicle parts, including elements operating in crumple zones, are manufactured from light metal alloys based on aluminum and magnesium. The choice of material for these applications should consider not only the mechanical properties of the alloy, but also its ability to absorb energy.The materials that can offer these properties are wrought aluminum alloys containing vanadium in an amount of 0.05 – 0.5%, characterized by high strength and high toughness. These alloys are also characterized by an adequate capacity to absorb the kinetic energy (low value of the Rp0.2/Rm ratio and very high reduction of area Z).The paper describes structure examinations and testing of mechanical properties using directly extruded round and square bars and forgings made from ingots and bars. The examined material was aluminum alloy from the 6xxx series containing 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% vanadium.The extruded profiles were characterized by the mechanical properties comparable with the strength parameters of profiles made from a similar alloy from the 6xxx series but without the addition of vanadium, except for the elongation that assumed much higher values. The use of water wave on the press prevented the formation of a rim of coarse crystals on the profile cross-section.Keywordsaluminium alloysextrusion6xxx aluminium alloys with vanadiumcharacterization