Sensor development for intelligent processing of age hardenable aluminum alloys

Abstract

The objective of this research is to further develop a sensor system which can be used to continuously monitor the aging response of heat treatable aluminum alloys. This type of system would allow for 'real time' evaluation of alloy properties as the material is age hardened. Such continuous monitoring, coupled with a control system, is referred to as 'intelligent processing'. The system consists of eddy current coils incorporated in an impedance bridge circuit, this allows for continuous monitoring of the resistivity difference between a pure aluminum reference sample and the aluminum alloy as it age hardens. This resistivity change is a measure of the change in the alloys microstructure. This system will allow for active control over the formal product of an alloy subjected to single- or multi-stage heat treatment thus leading to a higher reliability of engineering structures. (MM)