Mechanical behavior and texture of the 5052 and 5050C thin sheets aluminum alloys

ABSTRACT

In the automotive sector, aluminum alloys have stood out for their attractive combination of strength-to-weight ratio, among other characteristics. The 5XXX series alloys mechanical properties are related to their composition and the manufacturing process used, gaining most of their mechanical strength through cold deformation processes. One of the requirements to optimize mechanical forming operations is the microstructure and texture control. In this study, AA 5052 and AA 5050C alloys, produced by Direct Chill (DC) casting and Twin Roll Caster (TRC), respectively, underwent mechanical characterization through tensile testing (with specimens extracted at 0, 45, and 90° from the rolling direction); and microstructural and texture characterization across the thickness of the sheets. Alumina (Al₂O₃) inclusions and intermetallic precipitates of Al₃Fe were detected along the metallic matrix of both alloys, exhibiting components of copper (112)[$1\overline{11}$], brass {110}<112>, cube (001)[$0\overline{10}$], and Goss {110}<001> throughout the thickness. AA 5052 alloy showed higher planar and normal anisotropy values than AA 5050C alloy, as well as mechanical properties measured in uniaxial tension.

Keywords:
AA 5050C and AA 5052 alloys; Crystallographic texture; Mechanical properties; Anisotropy