Abstract

This work describes a model to predict the yield strength of aluminum alloys, in either an annealed or T6 (peak aged) state, based solely on its composition. This is accomplished through the analyses of strengthening mechanisms common to aluminum, of which a novel semi-empirical model to predict precipitation strengthening is discussed. Solid solution strengthening and grain boundary strengthening are more simplistically considered but with significant accuracy. It is shown that by combining the strength contributions of each strengthening mechanism, the overall yield strength can be predicted by its composition in any of the 1xxx-7xxx series alloys. This allows the model to be abstracted from any individual series and to be generalizable for alloy discovery purposes. Furthermore, the model remains reasonably accurate over a wide compositional space. These findings help provide a tool, only requiring a compositional input, that can aid aluminum alloy development and is well-suited to be implemented into exploratory processes.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering; Mechanical Engineering

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/