Effects of cold deformation modes on microstructure uniformity and mechanical properties of large 2219 Al–Cu alloy rings

Abstract

Abstract The mechanical properties of large 2219 Al–Cu alloy rings need to be further improved with the diameter of the launch vehicle being more than 10 m. In this study, the effects of cold rolling (CR) and cold compression on microstructure evolution and the comprehensive mechanical properties of such rings were compared. The evolution of dislocation characteristics, grain structure, second phase, and the mechanical properties of the T8-aged samples were examined. Results show that compared with CR, because of deformation characteristics, cold compression deformation induces less increase in dislocation densities; however, the increase in dislocation densities on the core was higher than at other positions, resulting in a more uniform grain structure and elongation in the axial and radial direction. The cold compression deformation contributes to the uniform dissolution of the secondary phase, resulting in denser precipitates, and thus improved strength. Brittle fractures occur in fewer CR samples because of the longer moving distance of the Al matrix. In summary, both CR and cold compression can improve the mechanical properties. However, the cold-compressed sample exhibits more uniform microstructure and higher comprehensive mechanical properties (the radial elongation increased from 7.1 to 11.2%; the in-plane anisotropy decreased from 36.6 to 8.9%), without any brittle fractures, because of more uniform metal flow.