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Characterization of Material Properties of 2xxx Series Al-Alloys by Non Destructive Testing Techniques

Journal of Nondestructive Evaluation volume 31, pages 17–33 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

2xxx series Al-alloys are widely employed in structural applications due to their good mechanical properties. During heat treatment of these alloys, solution treated parts sometimes mixed with age hardened parts during handling. This result in difficulty in distinguishing between solution treated and aged parts of various grades. Moreover, it is also necessary to separate improper aged parts from properly treated parts. The traditional methods of characterization of different heat treated parts are hardness, tension testing and microscopy, however these are destructive in nature and sometimes not desired particularly for finished products. The main purpose of this paper is characterization of material properties of 2xxx series Al-alloys by eddy current and ultrasonic NDE techniques so that the inspection can be carried out effectively in the shortest possible time. Three wrought Al-alloys of 2xxx series (AA 2014, AA 2024 and AA 2219) were homogenized followed by solution heat treatment and age hardening treatments at specific temperatures for 1–16 h. The changes in hardness and microstructure during heat treatments were determined by traditional material characterization methods and then correlated with electrical conductivity, sound velocity and attenuation coefficient obtained through Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques. Results demonstrated an excellent correlation between hardness and sound velocity, whereas extend of aging can be easily predicted by electrical conductivity, and attenuation coefficient measurement. Investigation suggested a way towards the non-destructive detection and characterization of material properties when conventional testing methods are not applicable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Research and Testing Laboratory, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Karachi, 75270, Pakistan

    Fawad Tariq, Nausheen Naz, Rasheed Ahmed Baloch &  Faisal

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  1. Fawad Tariq
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  2. Nausheen Naz
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  3. Rasheed Ahmed Baloch
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  4. Faisal
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Correspondence to Fawad Tariq.

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Tariq, F., Naz, N., Baloch, R.A. et al. Characterization of Material Properties of 2xxx Series Al-Alloys by Non Destructive Testing Techniques. J Nondestruct Eval 31, 17–33 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10921-011-0117-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10921-011-0117-5

Keywords

  • AA 2024
  • AA 2014
  • AA 2219
  • Aluminum alloys
  • Precipitation hardening
  • Ultrasonic testing
  • Eddy current testing