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For Al-Zn-Mg-Cu aluminium alloys, 15 types of η precipitates would possess the symmetrically variants distributed on the closed planes of the Al matrix, parallel to the (0001)η, (21̅1̅0)η, or (101̅0)η interfaces of precipitates. The η2 precipitates, possessing the crystallographic orientation of (111̅1̅)al // (0001)η2 and [110]al // [101̅0]η2, would exhibit four equivalent variants, i.e., η2(1) to η2(4), on the (11̅1̅)al habit planes. In the present work, along the zone axis of [110]al // [101̅0]η, the edge-on configurations showing the twin-like atomic arrays would occur as the growth/coalescence of two η2 variants grown on (111̅1̅)al and (11̅1)al planes, respectively. The twin relationship can be revealed in term of the crystallographic relationship at 70.5° with respect to their habit planes. Alternatively, on the (11̅1̅0)al image, it also indicates the nearly-twinning configuration in between the variant-pair of η2.

The evolution of mechanical properties of a third-generation Al–Cu–Li alloy, AA2050, with different initial tempers (as-quenched WQ, naturally aged T34 and peak-aged T84) during creep-ageing has been investigated in this study. A set of creep-ageing tests was carried out under 150 MPa at 155 °C with different durations for all initial temper conditions and tensile tests were performed subsequently to acquire the main mechanical properties of the creep-aged alloys, including the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and uniform elongation. The evolution of these mechanical properties during creep-ageing has been discussed in association with precipitation behaviour of AA2050 alloys with different initial tempers. The results indicate that the T34 alloy is the best choice for creep age forming (CAF) applications among these initial tempers, as it provides better yield strength and uniform elongation concurrently after creep-ageing. In addition, a work hardening rate analysis has been carried out for all the creep-aged alloys, helping to understand the detailed dislocation/precipitate interaction mechanisms during plastic deformation in the creep-aged AA2050 alloys with WQ, T34 and T84 initial tempers.

The evolution of mechanical properties of a third generation Al-Cu-Li alloy, AA2050, with different initial tempers (T34 and as-quenched (WQ)) during creep-ageing has been investigated and analysed in this study. A set of creep-ageing tests under 150 MPa at 155 °C for up to 24 h was carried out for both initial temper conditions and tensile tests were performed subsequently to acquire the main mechanical properties of the creep-aged alloys, including the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and uniform elongation. Precipitation behaviour of the T34 and WQ AA2050 alloys has been summarised and successfully explains the detailed evolutions of the obtained mechanical properties of the alloy with these two initial tempers during creep-ageing. The results indicate that the T34 alloy can be a better choice for creep age forming (CAF) process compared with WQ alloy, as it provides better yield strength and uniform elongation properties concurrently after creep-ageing. In addition, a work hardening rate analysis has been carried out for all the creep-aged alloys, helping to reveal the detailed dislocation/precipitates interaction mechanisms during plastic deformation in the creep-aged T34 and WQ AA2050 alloys.

This paper presents a study on the creep-ageing behaviour of a peak-aged aluminium alloy 7B04 under different tensile loads at 115oC and subsequently modelling it for creep-age forming (CAF) applications. Mechanical properties and microstructural evolutions of creep-aged specimens were investigated. The material was modelled using a set of unified constitutive equations, which not only captures the material's creep deformation but also takes into account yield strength contributions from solid solution hardening, age hardening and dislocation hardening during creep-ageing. A possible application of the present work is demonstrated by implementing the determined material model into a commercial finite element analysis solver via a user-defined subroutine for springback prediction of creep-age formed plates. A good agreement is observed between the simulated springback values and experimental results. This material model now enables further investigations of 7B04 under various CAF scenarios to be conducted inexpensively via computational modelling.

The creep-ageing behaviour of a peak-aged aluminium alloy 7050 was investigated under different stress levels at 174 ∘C for up to 8 h. Interrupted creep tests and tensile tests were performed to investigate the influences of creep-ageing time and applied stress on yield strength. The mechanical testing results indicate that the material exhibits an over-ageing behaviour which increases with the applied stress level during creep-ageing. As creep-ageing time approaches 8 h, the material's yield strength under different stress levels gradually converge, which suggests that the difference in mechanical properties under different stress conditions can be minimised. This feature can be advantageous in creep-age forming to the formed components such that uniformed mechanical properties across part area can be achieved. A set of constitutive equations was calibrated using the mechanical test results and the alloy-specific material constants were obtained. A good agreement is observed between the experimental and calibrated results.

Creep-ageing behaviour of aluminium alloy 7B04-T651 at 115 °C under a range of tensile stress levels has been experimentally investigated and numerically modelled for creep-age forming (CAF) applications. Creep strain, yield strength evolution and precipitate growth of creep-aged specimens were investigated. The alloy was modelled using a set of unified constitutive equations, which captures its creep deformation and takes into account yield strength contributions from three creep-age hardening mechanisms. Applications of the present work are demonstrated by implementing the determined material model into a commercial finite element analysis solver to analyse CAF operations carried out in a novel flexible CAF tool. Stress relaxation, yield strength, precipitate size and springback were predicted for the creep-age formed plates. The predicted springback were further quantified and compared with experimental measurements and a good agreement of 2.5% deviation was achieved. This material model now enables further investigations of 7B04 under various CAF scenarios to be conducted inexpensively via computational modelling.

The creep ageing process can have a significant influence on the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys. In the present work, microstructural analysis and mechanical testing were implemented to characterize the age hardening effect and microstructure evolution, and to investigate how the stress applied under creep ageing conditions can affect a material's microstructure. The curves depicting yield strength in relation to creep ageing time suggested that the stress applied in creep ageing can result in a reduction of the strength of aluminum alloy 7050; the yield strength decreases with increasing applied stress. Microstructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that by applying stress, the growth and coarsening rate of the Guinier-Preston (GP) zones and η′ precipitates can be sped up. Even after pure/creep ageing for 8 h, there are still some GP zones in the aluminum matrix, demonstrating that the GP zones' nucleation is a continuous process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]