Thermodynamics-Based Computational Design of Al-Mg-Sc-Zr Alloys

• Published in: Metallurgical and materials transactions. A, Physical metallurgy and materials science Vol. 41; no. 4; pp. 888 - 899
• Main Authors: Haidemenopoulos, G.N., Katsamas, A.I., Kamoutsi, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01.04.2010; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Alloys; Applied sciences; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Corrosion resistance; Exact sciences and technology; Grain growth; Hot rolling; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Metallurgy; Metals. Metallurgy; Nanotechnology; Solid solutions; Solidification; Structural Materials; Surfaces and Interfaces; Temperature; Thermodynamics; Thin Films; Heterogeneous Nucleation Site; Al3Zr Particle; Al3Zr; Al3Sc; Alloy Variant; Design; Thermodynamics; Aluminium base alloys; Magnesium alloy
• ISSN: 1073-5623; 1543-1940
• DOI: 10.1007/s11661-009-0168-8

Alloying additions of Sc and Zr raise the yield strength of Al-Mg alloys significantly. We have studied the effects of Sc and Zr on the grain refinement and recrystallization resistance of Al-Mg alloys with the aid of computational alloy thermodynamics. The grain refinement potential has been assessed by Scheil–Gulliver simulations of solidification paths, while the recrystallization resistance (Zener drag) has been assessed by calculation of the precipitation driving forces of the Al 3 Sc and Al 3 Zr intermetallics. Microstructural performance indices have been derived, used to rank several alloy composition variants, and finally select the variant with the best combination of grain refinement and recrystallization resistance. The method can be used, with certain limitations, for a thermodynamics-based design of Al-Mg and other alloy compositions.