An investigation of the mechanical properties of warm rolled aluminum-17.5 weight percent copper alloy

Abstract

An aluminum-17 . 5 weight percent copper alloy was warm rolled to achieve refinement of the microstructure . This refined microstructure consisted of finely dispersed intermetallic Al^Cu particles with an average size of 1.2 microns in an aluminum matrix. This led to improved room temperature properties as well as the onset of superplasticity at elevated temperatures. Ductility and toughness were increased almost six-fold, despite slightly decreased yield strength and maximum compressive strength. It would appear that warm working can be used to enhance both room temperature properties and superplasticity, and that further research could maximize this improvement.