Hot deformation in dispersion strengthened aluminum alloys and composites

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 90, No. 1007, 1997

T.R. Bieler, Department of Materials Science and Mechanics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

Hot forming and superplasticity in powder metallurgy aluminum alloys and composites is reviewed. The effects of alloy composition, particulate composition, size, and size distribution is summarized. The role of climb distance for recovery is described in connection with the size of strengthening phases. In materials with fine strengthening phases on the order of one micron or less, high strain rate superplastic deformation processes are likely. However, the quality of superplastic deformation depends on the prior processing history, and these effects are reviewed. Very few data describing the effects of hot forming history on post-forming properties exist, but some results emerging in the literature are compared.

Keywords: Metallurgy, Aluminum alloys, Powder metallurgy, Metal matrix composites, Hot working, Superplasticity, Post-forming properties.